Joseph “Joe” Anthony McQuade Jr.
Joseph “Joe” Anthony McQuade Jr., 71, of Houston, Texas, passed away on October 10, 2025 at M.D. Anderson from complications arising from pancreatic cancer. He was with his wife and sister.
Joe was born on July 6, 1954 in Fort Worth, Texas to Eleanor and Joe McQuade. He graduated from Castleberry High School in 1972, and graduated from the University of Texas in 1976 with degrees in Journalism and American Studies.
Joe married his high school sweetheart Rae in 1974. He worked as a journalist, writer, city planner, and chartered boat captain. He and his sister Valerie ran a sailboat charter company in the Caribbean. He loved newspapers and considered it an honor to work as a reporter for the Houston Chronicle, among other newspapers.
He was known for his quick wit and smiles, love of politics and debating; football, BBQ and smoking; bourbon tastings and happy hours, and all things related to water, beaches and sailing. He loved the English language – a clever turn of phrase, a well-made argument, a thoughtful article. His curiosity never waned and he was an inveterate optimist on life. He had an unwavering love for his wife Rae and sister Val, and loved and enjoyed the companionship of many friends.
Joe was such a fun loving person! So blessed to have Rae and Val and his many friends. Our hearts breaks for you all! He will be missed! With love, K&C
I never got to meet Joe in person, but loved working with him on “The Poo”. His humor will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers with Rae and Valerie on Joe’s passing. So many fond and wonderful memories from our years together in the Clear Lake area of Houston/Galveston; and as Houston Chronicle colleagues. I still talk about Joe’s spectacular use of metaphors in his prose; and was honored when Joe shared with me a copy of his first book. RIP to a wonderful friend.
Mark Toohey
I knew Joe for over 55 years and will miss him. He was always a leader making things happen for himself and those around him. Generous and caring, Joe acted on his convictions with courage and compassion. He would certainly tell you where he stood and why. We were not always aligned in our beliefs, but there was always respect and honesty in any discussion. There have been many things I have done in my life that were influenced by Joe. But, mostly, we just had fun together. Not all of our decisions were great, but as Jimmy Buffett says bad decisions make for good stories. Joe has left me with many good stories for which I am grateful.
The other thing that you should know about Joe is just how much he loved Rae and his sister Val. HIs commitment to both was unfailing and everlasting.
Rest in peace my friend knowing you truly seized the day.
I have known Joe for almost 45 years. He was such a magnificent sailor, captain and mostly a friend. I experienced so many adventures and joy over those many years provided by Joe,Rae, Val and their many friends. Sailing with Joe included lively discussions and bantering about every imaginable topic as well as a sail with a skilled captain.
Joe was a loyal friend with the greatest integrity and principals. His honor and wit will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rae was the love of his life and he treated her as such.
Joe can be grateful for the care love and support that both Rae and Val gifted to him, especially during the last years of his life.
I am thankful for the gift of Joe as my friend.
I am very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing.
He brought much joy to my life (and I know many others) through the pool, his writings related to it and other subjects, his Super Bowl celebrations that i was once privileged to attend, and, I am sure, in so many other ways that go beyond my acquaintance with him. Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies to Rae, Val and all those closest to him.
Rae,
I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss with the passing of Joe.
I remember Joe in the early days when he wrote for the Houston chronicle. We went on tube trips on the Guadaloupe river. He was a wonderful guy that loved life! I was at your house several times when you lived near Hobby airport. I passed his obituary on to Mark Toohey a fellow writer who worked at the Houston chronicle as well.
The family Ortiz meet Joe 9 years ago when we moved next to his house, he welcomed us right away with a big smile and introduced himself and gave us all the details about the neighborhood. He and his wife Rea and his sister Val are the BEST neighbors that we could’ve ask for, he would check on us, always bring something for us for Christmas delicious cupcakes, cake, snacks but the most delicious that we know we’re going to miss is the smoked pork butt that he made every year for us. His going to be very missed by our family. My heart goes out to Rae and Val during this time, may you find comfort in love of those around you and peace in the memories you hold dear, keeps those always in your heart. Family Ortiz is here for you always 🤍
He lived and brought into this world a little faith hope and love. And now He will be REMEMBERED FOREVER IN YOUR HEART..
Sister Marie Jo Lazzeri, SSND