Joseph Distefano

Joseph Distefano passed away on December 8, 2014 at the age of 71. He was a resident of Marrero, LA his entire life. He is preceded in death by his father, Vincent Distefano, Sr.; his mother, Josephine Brettillo Distefano and his brother, Vincent Distefano, Jr. He is survived by his companion of 24 years, Samuel (Ted) Stewart of Marrero and his “like a son” Stephen “Alex” Stewart of Slidell. Papa Joe loved his Alex. He will be dearly missed by his special friend Jay Traver of Lafayette, LA. He is also survived by his brother, Angelo Michael Distefano (Miriam) of Hammond, LA. He has many loving cousins on both sides of the family, including Manuela Ribando and the Ribando family of Marrero. Also, Joe and Anthony Pecararo (Leona) of Marrero. Joe is fortunate to be survived by a loving and devoted Godfather, Tom Favalora of Hammond, formerly of Westwego. Joe has been an active member of the Italian-American Society of Jefferson for most of his life. He has held an office in the organization both locally and district wide most of his adult life. He was passionate about his Italian Heritage. He was proud of the fact that he was the manager of the Italian Exhibit at New Orleans World’s Fair. He was a retired employee of Second Parish Court in Gretna, La, Probation Department. He was a member of the 49ers Supper Club. Joseph had a gentle and kind spirit that made him easy to love. He was a devout Catholic and a life-long member of St. Rosalie Church in Harvey, LA. He has worked on many St. Joseph Altars for the Italian-American Society, and he worked over the years to raise money for Hope Haven in Marrero. He loved his community and was always looking for ways to make it a better place. He was once recognized as the volunteer of the month by the Times Picayune. Friends and family, as well as members of the Italian-American Society of Jefferson and employees of Second Parish Court of Jefferson are invited to attend the visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Thursday, December 11, 2014 from 6PM until 10PM. Visitation will resume on Friday, December 12, 2014 at St. Rosalie Catholic Church, 2nd Avenue, Harvey, LA from 10AM until 12PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rosalie Catholic Church on Friday at 12PM. Graveside Services will be held at Greenlawn Garden Mausoleum, Hammond, LA at 2:30PM.