Vincent John Nola

Baton Rouge has lost a local legend. He was 85 and a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. As a result of an accident, Vince passed into eternal life at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, surrounded by his family. He finally wore out his guardian angels. Everyone who knew Vince has a "V.J. story." He loved to sing, tell old stories, watch Lawrence Welk with Uncle Ory, grow vegetables in his garden, cheer for the Tigers and eat with family and friends. He never missed drinking coffee in the evenings with Sarah and Ory. Vince was one of the happiest men you have ever known, always playing the guitar, singing and laughing. He worked as a roofer and builder for more than half a century. His entire life was unselfishly dedicated to his wife and family. After more than six decades of marriage to Sarah, he grieved her death until the last day of his life. He spent a wonderful Christmas with his children and will spend New Year's with his beloved Sarah, who died in February of this year. He leaves behind seven children and their families, Phyllis Nola and Maurice Allen, Maureen and Alan Andries, Bubba and Vicky Nola, Donna Nola-Ganey and Gerald Ganey, Glynn and Ellen Nola, Joey and Marie Nola, and A.J. and Stacie Nola; his nine grandchildren, Kyle Duncan, Kelly Scott, Blaise Nola, Jordan Nola, Trent Nola, Matthew Ganey, M'Lynn Ganey, Austin Nola and Aaron Nola; his three great-grandchildren, Joseph Duncan, Thomas Duncan and Aidan Scott; and his sisters, Camille Weimer and Rosalie Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Biaggio and Frances Nola; his brothers, Paul, Joe, Sam, Sylvester, Angelo and Tony; his sisters, Josephine and Mary; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., was on Sunday, Dec. 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting at St. Jude Catholic Church at the corner of Gardere and Highland Road on Monday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. until Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kyle Duncan, Blaise Nola, Matthew Ganey, Austin Nola, Aaron Nola and Brent Gueho. Honorary pallbearer is Rocky Attuso. Vince will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren.