VICTOR V. GELSOMINO, JR.
1941-2019
Victor (Vic) Vincent Gelsomino Jr., 78, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on his birthday, Thursday, November 28, 2019, in Bellaire, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.
Vic was one of three sons of Victor Sr. and Virginia Gelsomino, and was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
Vic later moved to Houston, Texas to attend college (and to get out of the cold!) He graduated with a Master in Architecture from Rice University, and formed a partnership, Gelsomino-Johnson Architects with fellow architect and good friend, Mike Johnson. Later, he went on to become a project manager at Watkins-Carter Hamiliton, and, later, a partner at PhiloWilke Architects. Vic was well respected architect whose expertise was medical facilities and commercial buildings. His creativity and ability to solve problems resulted in numerous honors and awards over the years.
In his personal life, he married Kathryn Villasana. He avidly attended Italian classes at St. Vincent and was a member of the Italian federation. Vic always spoke kindly of others and enjoyed having a good conversation with anyone. He was always available to lend a helping hand, and had a passion for learning and innovating. When he wasn’t busy listening to talk radio, he could be found working on a project around the house. He was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, Joshua and Madelyn and as “Buddy” to Alan and Davis.
Vic is preceded in death by both his parents and his two brothers, Jack and Richard Gelsomino. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Gelsomino, his two children from his first marriage to Marilyn Morningstar: Victor Gelsomino Ill and Dana Morningstar, his two step-children along with their spouses and children: Michael, Marilyn, Joshua, and Madelyn Villasana, and Philip, Laura, Alan, and Davis Villasana-all of whom he loved dearly.
A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 12th, 2019 at 10:30 am at
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77025 with a gathering and reception immediately following at the Church Hall.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Philo-Wilke Architects, Village Plumbing, and to all of Vic’s dear friends, family, neighbors, and former co-workers who were a great source of strength and support, and who brought so much joy to his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit www.stjude. org.