Galveston civic leader and restaurateur Vic Fertitta, a key figure in the island’s hospitality industry and father of businessman Tilman Fertitta, has died at age 90, leaving a decades-long legacy in tourism and community service.
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Joseph Victor “Vic” Fertitta, a notable Galveston restaurateur and civic leader, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 90, with family members confirming his death and highlighting his significant influence on the island’s contemporary tourism economy.
Fertitta, a prominent figure in Galveston's hospitality scene, was honored by his son, Tilman Fertitta, as a dedicated family man and a significant community presence.
“He was an exceptional father, a remarkable grandfather, and a devoted husband,” stated Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as the U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino. “His absence will be profoundly felt—not just by me and my brothers, Jay and Todd, but by our whole family and the numerous friends he had on the island and elsewhere.”
Fertitta's journey in the restaurant industry began at a young age, as he worked with his father in renowned Galveston establishments like the Turf Club and the Balinese Room, during a vibrant period in the city’s history known as the “Free State of Galveston.”
Throughout the years, he managed several prominent venues, including Pier 23 and the Golden Greek, and contributed to the revitalization of local accommodations, such as the Treasure Isle and Seahorse Inn hotels. His efforts were instrumental in attracting major national brands to the island, including Jack in the Box, La Quinta, and Holiday Inn, helping Galveston rise to prominence as a regional tourism hub.
In addition to his business endeavors, Fertitta played a notable role in civic affairs. He was a member of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees and played a key role in establishing the Knights of Momus Mardi Gras krewe, ultimately being honored as King Frivolous CIV during the 2019 festivities.
Community groups and local organizations have also emphasized his charitable contributions. Houston Children's Charity characterized Fertitta as “a dear friend and steadfast supporter for more than 30 years,” highlighting his enduring commitment since the organization’s inception.
The Galveston County Daily News, in a heartfelt tribute, characterized Fertitta as “the kind of man who could hold court with a story, make a stranger feel like family and, in the process, help shape the modern identity of Galveston’s tourism economy.”
Fertitta leaves behind his wife, Joy, who has recently been honored as the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Mary Ellen Doyle Legacy Woman of the Year, along with their three sons, Tilman, Jay, and Todd.
Details of the funeral arrangements have yet to be disclosed.
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