Joseph (“Butch”) Wade Giacone, 84, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy illness. Born on May 27, 1941, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, he spent much of his life in Houston, where he built a career and raised his family.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, known for his quiet strength, humility, and generosity. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel valued—whether lifelong friends or strangers in need.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Beverly Giacone; daughters Michele Gest and her husband Rob, and Alanna Foley and her husband David; grandchildren Nathan and Hailey Gest and Ashleigh Marrufo and her husband Julian; brother Michael Giacone; sister-in-law Carolyn Rockwell; and nephew Ryan Rockwell; along with many other cherished family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard and Jasper Joseph “J. J.” Giacone, and grandsons Camden and Braden Foley.

Joe honorably served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965, where he trained as a draftsman—a skill that launched a long and successful career in Houston’s oil, gas, and chemicals industries. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic, Joe worked at several companies over the years, concluding his career as a respected piping designer at Dow Chemical.

Joe lived a purposeful life. As a father, he led by example—steady, humble, and always present. He found joy in the simple things: watching old Westerns, working in the yard, sharing a good bowl of gumbo, and lending a hand to anyone who needed it. Yet, nothing meant more to him than his family. He expressed his love not through grand gestures, but through daily acts of being there, listening, supporting, and taking pride in every achievement of his daughters and grandchildren.

Joe’s faith shaped how he lived and served. At Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, he gave his time generously—whether it was cooking barbecue to raise church funds, painting classrooms, mowing the lawn, or helping with youth group activities. He never sought attention, but he was always there when something needed to be done.

There are countless memories that will always remind us of Joe. He made the best meatballs for spaghetti—none could compare. He had a remarkable talent for fixing things and could paint a room in a suit without spilling a drop. Above all, he never hesitated to help others, always going out of his way to lend a hand.

Joe’s unwavering faith in God set him apart. He lived out that faith each day through his kindness, servant heart, and quiet strength—showing others what it truly means to live by faith.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Joe’s devoted caregiver, Judy Terravas of Houston, Texas, for her exceptional care. They are also thankful to the friends who visited Joe during his illness, sharing stories of the profound impact he had on their lives. Heartfelt thanks are given to the staff at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland for their compassionate care in his final days.

A memorial service will be held on August 16^th in Bogalusa, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the COPD Foundation, honoring his courageous fight and the care he received.