GALVESTON COUNTY LOST A TRUE GIANT on Friday with the passing of Paul Tibaldo, who served as president of the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo for the past three decades.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our President, Paul Tibaldo. Please keep his wife Claudia, the Tibaldo family, his friends and our extended Fair family in your prayers,” wrote the Fair on its website. “Paul has been on a long journey and is now at peace. We ask for the continued prayers of comfort for the family.
“For the past 20 years, Paul has served as the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo President. He has been committed to our Fair’s growth and the youth we serve. He has been involved from exhibiting animals to buying animals. He has been a pillar of strength and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace.”
A 1976 graduate of Santa Fe High School, Tibaldo became a pillar of the community. With a commanding presence and a warm smile, he became one of the most influential people in Galveston County, adding friends everywhere he appeared.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a great man,” wrote Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset on his Facebook page. “A man who has dedicated his time to so many in our community and county. He has done more than anyone I know for the youth of this county. Whether it be on the fairgrounds, schools and in the church, he never failed in serving others.
“Paul Tibaldo, you will be truly missed. May you now Rest in Peace in Our Father’s House. My prayers are with his wife Claudia, their children, grandchildren and the entire Tibaldo family.”
While known for his stint at the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo, Tibaldo was also heavily involved at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church along with his membership at Knights of Columbus/Matthew H. Wilson Assembly #1988.
“My heart is broken but my memories of this guy will keep me smiling,” said Kay Floyd Koehler via Facebook. “It was always an adventure to be with this couple…and nonstop laughing.”
Services for Tibaldo are pending.
