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August “Gus” Paul Pasquini Sr. passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, the 23rd of July 2019, in Houston, Texas. He was 85 years of age.
Gus was born on the 2nd of January 1934 and was raised in Chicago where he lived for 60 years. His parents, Italian immigrants, and three older siblings worked in their pizza restaurant, where Gus learned his passion for cooking. He attended Holy Trinity High School. His tenure there led to two infamous moments, his 100-point basketball game and the stealing of his future wife’s bicycle. Gus and Rose Marie Pasquini were married on the 6th of August 1955 at St. Philomena’s church in Chicago.
After high school Gus attended St. Joseph’s College where he received his bachelor’s degree. Later in life Gus went on to continue his education, driving his motorcycle downtown Chicago to the National College of Education where he received his Master’s in Administration.
After college Gus moved him and his wife to the west coast, where he began his career as a college basketball coach. Eventually, his family and the future Portillo’s called him back home to Chicago where he was a high school athletics coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and eventually 20-year principal of Lake Park High School. Gus retired in 1994 and moved to Houston to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
After retirement Gus and Roe lived a life of leisure, traveling the U.S. in their motor home to visit friends and winter in Florida with their beloved dog, Mario. Gus also served as President on the board of his church, St. Martha Catholic Church, was very active at Kingwood Country Club where he loved to golf and bring his grandchildren to swim, and found some other old farts to join the OFWW club. He was a zealous hobby shop patron, both woodworking and building model airplanes were pastimes Gus enjoyed. He was an active member at his flying field, breakfasts with the guys on Wednesdays, and off to fly airplanes with the other members of Jetero RC brought him joy.
As an educator Gus touched the hearts of many people, as a friend he served as a loyal and supportive mentor. While humble, Gus was looked up to by many. His greatest pride was being a husband, father, nonno, and bisnonno.
Gus is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Pasquini, his son August Paul Pasquini Jr. and his wife Carole Pasquini, his daughter Karen Smith and husband, his grandchildren: Teresa Van Oort and husband Martijn Van Oort, August Paul Pasquini III and wife Allison Pasquini, Erica Pasquini and husband Cameron Vargas, Gregory Smith and wife Amanda Smith, Christopher Kiessling and wife Lauren Kiessling, and Michael Kiessling, and his great-grandchildren: Olivia Pasquini, Berkley Smith, Willem Van Oort, Eviana Pasquini, and Camryn Smith.
Gus was preceded in death by his father, Benedetto Pasquini and mother, Maddalena Pasquini, as well as his siblings: brother, Aldo Pasquini and sisters, Mary Fortino and Lida Piagentini.
On Friday, July 26th a Celebration of Life Memorial will be held from 5-8 PM at Darst Funeral Home in Kingwood, Texas. On Saturday, July 27th a funeral mass will be held at St. Martha Catholic Church in Porter, Texas at 1:30 pm with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a contribution in Gus’ memory to Holy Trinity High School in Chicago, Illinois. 1443 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60642
https://darstfuneralhome.com/obituary/6507-2/
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