Edward Saconas

Edward S. Saconas was born on May 7, 1939, and passed away on July 10, 2025, at age 86, following complications from a stroke.

In 1954, Ed and his parents moved from Buffalo, NY, to the Galveston area. He graduated from Galveston’s Kirwin High School as Valedictorian in 1956 and from St. Mary’s University on full scholarship with Highest Honors. After one year of law school at St. Mary’s, he transferred to the University of Houston Law School. Ed passed the Bar in 1964, and eight months later graduated with Honors.

Ed, his mom and his dad developed Bayou Vista, the first canal community in Texas and later Omega Bay, the last canal community in Texas. Ed worked week-ends and summers throughout high school and college mostly running a crew of his high school friends who built bulkheads and piers and dug septic tank holes and water and sewer lines. He also created sales brochures and sold lots on the week-ends.

Ed’s life was a tapestry of excellence that included being a bookie (age 9 and college), riding his bike to Canada to purchase firecrackers to sell in Buffalo, NY, (middle school), delegate to American Legion Boys State (high school), competitive debating (St. Mary’s and UofH Law School), top life insurance salesman (Army), Captain, Judge Advocate General’s Corps (Army), academics, bank president, real estate developer, home builder, Galveston County Builder of the Year (1985), real estate broker (Coldwell Banker) and philanthropy, quietly supporting several children to adulthood through Children’s International for many years.

Over the last 38 years Ed worked hand-in-hand with his devoted office manager, Carla Walker (fondly known as “his right arm”) through countless endeavors. He was particularly proud of the non-profit real estate organization he created which was dedicated exclusively to creating affordable homes for over 300 low income families across the State of Texas. The stock market occupied his time in later years, and he thoroughly enjoyed attending Warren Buffett’s Annual Meetings which he described as a “county fair.” His friends will remember him as a numbers man, lover of mariachis, survivor of auto, train and plane mishaps, quick with the wit and always ready for lobster.

Ed is predeceased by his parents, Louise Tamburine Saconas and George Saconas. Although proudly never married, he happily inherited a ready-made family at age 76 when Kelly and Scott came into his life as employees and later became his family. He is survived by long-term companion, Joanna Patton Meinecke, Kelly and Scott Vernon and their extended family with Kelly, Jeannette, Mark and Brittany serving as loving caregivers.

Other survivors include his Aunt Eddie Tamburine, age 98, several cousins and Carla Walker. The circle of friends from Kirwin and St. Mary’s remained close for 69 years and created many happy memories. We are grateful for the friendship of Ronnie and Roseanne Monford, John Payne, S.J., Barbara Bennett and the entire Cagle Clan.

Ed had a zest for life, and anything he put his mind to, he mastered. He was a man with a very big heart who was kind to all, helping many friends through life’s trials. Ed will be remembered as a builder of communities, champion of ideas and a faithful friend. His impact endures in the places he helped create and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

For those desiring, contributions in memory of Ed may be made to:

Salt Water Garden Club
435 Pompano
Bayou Vista, TX  77563
Reference Ed Saconas on memo line

A public celebration of Ed's life will be held at a later date.