Joseph Louis Segrato

Joseph Louis Segrato, age 71, of Spring Branch, Texas, passed away on August 28, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was born in Houston, Texas on November 7, 1940 to parents Louis and Mary (Pontello) Segrato, who preceded him in death. A graduate of St. Thomas High School’s class of 1958, Joe attended The University of Texas at Austin where he completed his preparatory and legal education in 1962 and 1965, respectively. He pledged and became a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and, additionally, was a loyal and passionate supporter of his beloved Texas Longhorns throughout his life.

As a member of the State Bar of Texas, he practiced law for 47 years as a trial attorney. Recognized as one of the foremost defense lawyers in Texas, he was a partner with Thornton, Biechlin, Segrato, Reynolds & Guerra, L.C. since 1982. Joe practiced law and tried cases all across South Texas, including the many years he spent residing in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley. Clients sincerely appreciated his enthusiasm, knowledge of the law and proven record of success.

Joe held a passion for athletics and grew up playing baseball and football. As a young man he took up golf, as well as hunting, fishing and boating. He loved his home in Port Aransas and his farm in Bulverde where he enjoyed sitting outside on his porch in the evenings with a good cigar. He was also passionate about breeding, raising and racing horses.

He was a born leader with exceptional charisma and had a wonderful hearty laugh that could be heard across any noisy room. Joe possessed a huge capacity to love and nurture his family as well as those for which he cared. A great communicator, outstanding in social situations, a man’s man, brave and possessed of great inner strength. He valued honesty and integrity and lived a life that exemplified these characteristics. Joe aimed for perfection with every pursuit, expecting the same of others. As a result, he was a fierce competitor who, more often than not, came out on top. He fully supported his family and true friends and, whenever trouble presented itself, one could always count on Joe. He will be missed dearly by the many lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Elliott Segrato; children, Nancy Segrato Barnes; Glen Segrato and wife, Tracy; and stepson, Rob L. Springs, II and wife, Amy; sister, Virginia Segrato Wood; grandsons, Alex and Luke Barnes and Gus and Leo Segrato, and granddaughter, Faith Elizabeth Springs; nieces, Mary Louise Wood Binning and husband, Brad, and Renee Wood Lange and husband, Mark; nephew, William A. (Trey) Wood, III and wife, Ann Marie; and former wife, Kay Cole Segrato.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas, 77023, (713) 928-5141.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of one’s choice.