DR. STEPHEN “DOC” KENNY CHMAITELLI
1975-2021
Dr. Stephen “Doc” Kenny Chmaitelli, a beloved son and brother, devoted veterinarian, talented musician, and friend, left this world suddenly on August 15, 2021 at age 45. He was born in Houston, Texas, on September 28, 1975 to Beverly Chmaitelli, née Kenny, from Brownsville, Texas, and Abdul Karim Ahmad Chmaitelli from Beirut, Lebanon.
Growing up in the city of South Houston, Stephen was a diligent student while also pursuing his musical and athletic interests. At South Houston High School, he sang in the A Capella Choir, but he also proudly donned the Trojan jerseys on the football and baseball fields. He graduated high school in 1993 and decided to pursue his life-long love of animals, following his dreams to study veterinary medicine at the state’s premier institution for it -- Texas A&M University. While in college, Stephen fully embraced student life in “Aggieland” as a member of the all-male chorus, The Singing Cadets, “The Voice of Aggieland,” among other groups. It was in College Station that he made many lasting friendships and formed life-long bonds. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with the graduating class of 2000 -Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Stephen went to work in large animal & equine hospitals before setting up his first practice in east Texas, where he specialized in large exotic animals and livestock. His passion, undeniable talent, and unwavering dedication to his craft even led him across the globe in the treatment of exotic wildlife species. In 2015, Stephen made his way back to Houston to open Garden Oaks Veterinarian Clinic, a successful practice much adored by its fourlegged patients and their owners alike. Among his many achievements and goals in life, the practice was accredited with the American Animal Hospital Association not long after in 2016. He continued his passion for large animals with his other venture, A to Z Exotics & Capture, servicing African game ranches across Texas.
When he wasn’t tirelessly working and caring for animals, Stephen spent his time in the pursuit of his second love: music. From a very young age, he was captivated by all aspects of music and became an accomplished pianist, guitar player, and song writer. Music remained an integral part of his life into adulthood, and he often performed with friends and Texas country artists across Texas supporting their professional tours. His affinity for sports carried on as well, as he played with and supported the Houston United Rugby Team (HURT) and regularly attended Astros games with family and friends. Stephen’s giving nature led him to volunteer across multiple organizations, including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the City of Houston Animal Shelter Advisory Committee & the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Government Relations Committee. He was also elected as the Harris County Representative to the Board of Directors. Stephen will be remembered by countless people for his selfless generosity, his impactful work ethic in the pursuit of excellence in veterinary medicine, and his heartfelt kindness.
He is survived by his mother, Beverly Chmaitelli, his sister Mary Prentice, her son Alexander Prentice, and his brother-in law David Prentice. He is also survived by his beloved Aunt Kathy and Uncle Walter Underwood, by his cousins Sajiah Chmaitelli-Westfall, Faye Powell, Sheri, Dan and Drew Dendy, Jason, Ali and Jordan Underwood, Kim and Peyton Turner, Mike, Barbara, Gale and Elizabeth Kenny, Uncle A. Chmaitelli, girlfriend Andrea Ramirez, and many cousins all over the United States and extensive family overseas in Lebanon. The visitation will be held at 10A.M., followed by the funeral service at 11A.M. on Saturday, August 21ST at Our Savior Lutheran Church 5000 W Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77091. A graveside service will follow at 1P.M. at Forest Park -The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. Flowers may be sent via Darlene’s Flower & Gift Shop at 10570 Northwest Fwy., Houston, TX 77092. Donations in Stephen’s name may be made to Friends for Life Animal Shelter at www.friends4life.org or to NOMV at www.nomv.org.