Luis Gilberto Malta

Luis “Louie / Lucho” Malta had his maiden voyage and was put to sea on August 8, 1932 and was Finished with Engines (FWE) peacefully on February 28, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Beloved husband of 67 years to Rosa Pignataro Malta. Father of Monica Thurmond (Shawn Peterson), Luigi Malta, and the late Robin Malta. Grandfather of Ashley and Chelsie Thurmond, Ericka Poole, and Giovani Malta. Great-grandfather of Cullen, Brennan, and Nora Kate Poole. Son of the late Julio Luis Malta and Angelica Aguirre Malta. Also survived by Tom Thurmond, many other loving family and friends, and his faithful canine companion, Bambina. 

Louie’s (as known to his friends) passion for the water began as a young man working with his father on the family-owned fishing boats.

He was born and raised in Quayaquil, Ecuador. Shortly after he married his beloved Rosa, they moved to the U.S. with a final residence in New Orleans. After a couple of years in New Orleans, he began his Maritime career with the SIU (Seafarers International Union). After some time with the SIU, Louie decided to further pursue and develop his Maritime career and joined MEBA District 1 (Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association) – in seaman’s terms – the hause pipe. 

He achieved the ultimate level of education with MEBA District 1.

He earned the rank of Chief Engineer as well as serving as Port Engineer on steam & diesel vessels. He was a member of MEMBA District 1 for 26 years upon his retirement. He traveled the world multiple times including Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was multilingual (spoke 7 different languages fluently).

Louie’s hobbies included individually designing and hand crafting multiple style marine vessels, fishing and crabbing. His passion was the water.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service and prayers at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Saturday, March 8, 2025 for 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Metairie Humane Shelter metairiehumane.org/wish-list-items/ or the United States Maritime Resource Center usmrc.org/give. 

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com.