Joe S. Maida III was the oldest child of Frank and Antoinette (Morales) Maida, born in Beaumont, Texas on Father’s Day June 20, 1937. The family moved to Houston in 1944 and his father was employed in the family business of Morales Barbecue until his parents owned and operated Exclusive Cleaners.
He was named after his grandfather and uncle who were both attorneys with careers in government service. His son followed in the tradition and also became an attorney. Joe attended Blessed Sacrament elementary school and St. Thomas High School, graduating in 1955. He attended the University of Houston where he received a BBA degree and Doctor of Jurisprudence, graduating with honors. He was a director in the Frontier Fiesta and vice-president of the law school Student Bar. He achieved the second highest grade in the state on the 1962 Texas bar exam. Thereafter, he was employed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where he served under Frank Briscoe and Carol Vance until starting his own law practice in 1968. For over 50 years, he enjoyed representing a clientele that reflected the rich diversity of Houston itself.
In 1964, he married Jewell LaRocca, his wife of 58 years. They were members of the University Club and its successor clubs for many years. He had many friends from there – who would enjoy a “Boy’s Night Out” every Thursday with Carrabba’s Italian Grill on Kirby being a favorite venue. He also kept in touch with friends from his high school days and the Buccaneer Drive-In whom he continued to meet for lunch regularly at Patrenella's.
He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Jewell Maida, son Joe Maida IV, son David Maida and partner Max Gilbert, brother Sam Maida and wife Genevieve, sister Marlene Scanlin and husband Joe. The Maida family will be forever grateful to Ms. Stephany Taylor, LVN who provided Joe loving care in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maida Family Scholarship at St. Thomas High School.
The Rosary will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, August 12 at St. Thomas High School at 4500 Memorial Dr. on the second floor of the main rotunda. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 13 at Annunciation Catholic Church at 1618 Texas Ave.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.11.6