Verter Ginestra Simoncelli

Verter Ginestra, age 54 of Austin, died in a cycling accident on Saturday, April 28, 2012. He was hit by a car while bicycling on Loop 360 in a tragedy that deeply saddens his family and his many friends.

Mr. Ginestra was adventurous, gregarious and compassionate—his splendid character and generous spirit will live on in many. During his life he was devoted to his loving family and his friends, highly respected and admired in his professional career and an avid cyclist. A memorial celebrating Verter's life will be held on Friday, May 4th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 12001 FM 2244 Bee Cave, TX. The family will be receiving guests at 10:00 a.m. at the church. On Thursday evening from 6:30-8:30 there will also be a wake at the church.

Verter leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 30 years, Jane; his daughters Chantal and Celeste, and his son Devon. He is also survived by his father, Romolo Ginestra Leodini; his sister, Ana Isabel and her husband Jose Luis Pereira; his brother, Rudy and his wife Vivian; his brother Danny and his wife, Ivette; as well as many dear nephews and nieces.

Verter was born September 16, 1957 in Acarigua, Venezuela. He earned an engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma (where he met Jane) and later earned an MBA from Adelphi University in New York. Most of Verter's career was in the electronic security industry and after a decade with Burle and Philips CSI, he became a partner in Crockett International, a manufacturer's rep group headquartered in Austin that developed business in Latin America, Europe and Asia. After a very successful thirteen years with Crockett International, the company was purchased by Schneider Electric, where Verter worked in high-level management positions until his death.

Verter was well-traveled, fluent in four languages, and truly a global citizen with close friends on every continent. He will be deeply missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to LiveStrong or the Please Be Kind to Cyclists organization.