Pasquini Sr., August "Gus"

1934 ~
 2019

OBITUARY

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

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Service Information

The Pasquini Family will be welcoming guests at Darst Funeral Home on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 5:00pm tp 8:00pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 1:30pm at St. Martha Catholic Church.

To express your sympathy with a flower arrangement please contact our florist.

11 Responses

  1. Gus was a terrific neighbor for 25 years, a dependable friend always there to help out. We shared our common interests in aviation. Gus was a fantastic builder of RC aircraft. He and his wife would have me over for lunch, dinner, and even munchies, and Christmas and Birthday gifts!! The two of you will always be family! Stephen

  2. Dear Pasquini Family,
    I am speaking on behalf of the Harville family. We were long tern neighbors of Gus and Rose in Kingwood, TX for over 25 Years. I am the daughter of Rick and Carolyn Harville. I thought I would share some memories if that was okay. Gus will forever hold a very special place in our hearts. I met Gus when I was just 5 years old. I am now 31. I have countless memories of Gus and Rose watching my brother and I and helping us keep out of trouble. Gus also taught me how to make his homemade crawfish pasta when I was in High School. I still have the recipe today! They would always bring us the most delicious cookies and baked goods because that was the kind of neighbors they were. The sweetest and most loving neighbors I could have ever asked for. I considered them to be like second grandparents to us! Gus will be forever missed and the entire Pasquini family will be in our thoughts and prayers!

  3. I am a past student of MR. Pasquinis. Was he feared, yes. Did he put you up against a wall sometimes, yes. Did he have favorites,No. Was the fair, yes. Did he only act in the students best interest, always. I had hoped to see you one more time Gus at our 50th this September. I will miss you. You were the best. Thank you for helping me learn lifes lessons back in high school.

  4. As one of his RC friends & club members I have loved knowing Gus & will miss him. JoAnn & I come to the dinners & some fly-ins. It is my hobby too. Miss him, a good man, with God now. Psalm 139

  5. Gus was a GREAT principal! He had his hands full with some students from our class. He was fair & caring, & sensitive to many students living situations. If u were scared he talked u down out of your nervousness. He sounded like a “ Grizzly” but was a “Teddy Bear” inside. We will miss u Gus at our 50 th!!!! U lived along life…..

  6. Gus was my Dean at Lake Park High school. I remember him in the halls saying hello to the students and always smiling. I am sure it was a tough job- thank you.
    May you Rest In Peace. My condolences to his wife and family.

  7. Our condolences to the family and friends of Gus Pasquini. Both my wife (Joyce) and I were students at Lake Park High School (class of ’69) while he was serving as the school Dean and we were saddened to hear of his passing. I have many good memories of him and his “guiding” hand – he led the school and our classmates well. He disciplined when needed but also had your back when that was needed as well. He lived a full and active life. I’m sure he will be remembered and missed by many; especially his family and friends in Texas. Rest in Peace Gus – you certainly deserve it.

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