Cerise, Elmo J., MD passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011 at the age of 91 with his family at his side. Survived by the love of his life and beloved wife of 65 years, Doris Karter Cerise. Dr. Cerise was the father of three children, Elmo John Cerise, Jr. (Bobbie, deceased), Cynthia Cerise Pellerin Brothers who died on November 8, 2005, and Karter Cerise Potts (Ewell), grandchildren, Ashley Marie Cerise Riley (Lon), Monique Andree Cerise, Elmo J. Cerise, III (Angela), Brock Elliot Pellerin, Casey Cerise Pellerin Westguard (Mark), Corrie Wright Pellerin, Katherin Karter Pellerin,, Ewell Cardwell Potts, IV and Cerise Katherine Potts, and great grandchildren, Keegan Riley, Avery Cerise, Harry Westguard, Eleanor Cerise, and Gavin Lyons. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul August Cerise, and his brother Paul August Cerise,Jr. DDS.
Dr. Cerise graduated from St. Aloysius High School in 1937, and went on to college at LSU where he and his brother, Paul, performed in the LSU band. Dr. Cerise graduated from LSU, and thereafter LSU Medical Center in 1944, and completed his residency under the direction of Dr. Alton Oschner, at Alton Oschner Medical Foundation, and Charity Hospital in 1952. Dr. Cerise was a Captain the Navy and honorably discharged after serving in the Panama Canal Zone. Dr. Cerise was a well know surgeon in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area and was a member of the Southern Surgical Society, American College of Surgeons, Pancreas Club, and many other medical associations throughout his lifetime. Dr. Cerise was a member of the Board of Trustees of Loyola Unversity, was a medical professor at Tulane University Medical School for many years. A chair in the surgery department was established in his name at the Tulane University Medical Center and an award was presented yearly in his name to the best all around surgerical resident in the medical school.
Dr. Cerise was a devote Catholic, having been a parishioner of St. Pius X Parish for many years, thereafter a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, and thereafter St. Alphonsus Parish. Dr. Cerise was the chairman of the Archbishop Community Appeal in 1990, was a member of the Order of St. Lazurus, and was awarded the John Paul II award as the outstanding Catholic of the year. Dr. Cerise was the St. Aloysius alumnus of the year in 1996, and served on many other civic organizations in helping others in the metropolitan area.
Dr. Cerise was a former member of the Lakeshore Club and at the time of his death was a member of several carnival organizations, The Boston Club, and enjoyed sailing as his favorite past-time. As such, he was a longtime member of the Southern Yacht Club, served as its Fleet Surgeon on several occasions, and was a member of its Governing Board.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Mary Assumption Church, 2030 Constance St., New Orleans, LA on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation at the church will begin at 9:00 a.m. Interment in LakeLawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to your charity of choice. Condolences at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com
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