SCOTT FAMILY FUNERAL HOME
1421 East Highway 6
Alvin, Texas

JOSEPH "JOE" FRANCIS SLOVAK, age 92 of Alvin, Texas passed away peacefully, on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in League City, Texas. Joe was born on June 14, 1926 in Miami, Florida.
Shortly after his birth, Joe’s parents moved to Korona, Florida where they began a successful chicken farm. The oldest of 10 siblings, Joe worked hard to maintain the family business and made many expansions and improvements over the years.

As a senior in high school, he was drafted to fight in World War II. On September 26, 1944 he entered into active duty in the US Army where he joined the 163rd Infantry regiment Co. E at Camp Blanding, Florida. He was a Light Machine Gunner 604 when he fought on the front lines during the Battle for the Liberation of the Philippines in Zamboanga. Later, in 1965, his unit became known as the 41st Infantry Brigade, also nicknamed the “Jungaleers “or “Sunsetters”.

Joe returned home from the war on November 20, 1946. He received an honorary diploma from his high school, and continued his work on the farm. After many successful years in production, it became time to close the family business and seek out other job opportunities.

Joe went to work for a concrete company for 15 years before it went out of business, and he needed to move on. He decided to go back to school where he mastered the trade of electronics and began a job with General Electric.

Joe then moved to Alvin, Texas where he worked as a contractor for GE at NASA in Clear Lake. He became an active member at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Alvin, where he was a member for over 50 years.

Joe was always participating in activities throughout the church. He was known for the time and dedication he gave in preparation for the church’s annual festival, and he was also a devoted, Greater, Sacristan, and Usher for the church.

Once settled in Alvin, Joe met his wife, Shirley, and fell in love.

Through the years, he became a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Hall #6403 (Alvin Manvel Chapter) where he became the unofficial, “official” timer for frying the fish. He was also a member of the local American Legion Post in Alvin.

He enjoyed spending time with his church family after Saturday night Mass. This usually included eating dinner at one of the many local restaurants in Alvin. Diana’s Grill, Joe’s BBQ, Alvin Seafood, Las Flores, China Buffet, Kelley’s Country Kitchen, just to name a few. His neighbors kept a vigilant and admiring watch over him through the years. The entire community of Alvin grew to love “Mr. Joe”. His quiet nature and kind smile made him easy to adore. He was devoted to his faith and committed to his family. Mr. Joe’s absence will leave a void in the hearts of many, but his unwavering compassion and genuine heart will be remembered by all.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Antoinette and Jerry Slovak, wife, Shirley Slovak, daughter, Martha Rygaard, son, Robert Minter, daughter, Susan Thomas, brother, Leo Slovak.

Joe is survived by his sisters, Miriam Crissone, Barbara Clague, Theresa Awan, brothers, Paul Slovak, John Slovak, Thomas Slovak, Gerard Slovak, Cyril Slovak, grandchildren, Quent Rygaard, Flint Minter, Clint Koenig, Ross Minter, Kelly Parrott, Cynthia Cisneros, Lexie Watkins, Karl Thomas, great grandchildren, Madeline Sambrano, Sebastian Cisneros, Silvester Cisneros, Mallory Sambrano, Abigail Presnal, Steel Cisneros, Jaxon Koenig, Kendallyn Thomas, Sage Cisneros, Kaisley Thomas, Valencia Cisneros, and numerous other relatives and friends.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Scott Funeral Home with a Rosary service recited at 7:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 23, 2019 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Grace Memorial Park Cemetery, Hitchcock, Texas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Scott Family, 1421 East Hwy. 6, Alvin, Texas 77511.