Joseph J Gilinsky Sr.

Joseph J. Gilinsky, Sr. “Joe” passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at his home in Metairie, Louisiana. Joe, son of James L. Gilinsky (deceased) and June Berlin (deceased) was 88 and is survived by his wife of 68 years of marriage, Willie Caroline Watts Gilinsky; his two children, Joseph Gilinsky Jr. and Priscilla Whittington; three grandchildren, Heather Blackburn, Caren Whittington and Kirk Whittington; and his sister Shirley Bartlett (Grafton, Ohio).

Joe was raised in Bossier City, Louisiana. He was influenced by his father’s military service and the environment of Barksdale AFB, which motivated him to volunteer and join the Air Corps on his 18th birthday. “I wanted to serve my country as soon as I could.” He became a B-17 navigator in the 94th Heavy Bomber Group, 332nd-333rd Squadron, 8th Air Force, US Army Air Corps. He flew 35 missions between 1942 and 1945 in the European Theater of Operations, often flying deep into Germany. After the war, he remained with the Air Corps, flying post-war strategic aerial reconnaissance missions. He retired from the military with the rank of Captain and received among other medals, The Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and Four Cluster Air Medal.

Joe moved to New Orleans in 1952, attended Loyola Dental School, and then decided to join the world of insurance which would provide more immediate income for his family. He joined State Farm Insurance as an agent assisting and helping a large and wide variety of policy holders in the greater Orleans and surrounding parishes. Well known, trusted and loved, he would often ask people, “Where you from?” and enjoyed sharing stories and old acquaintances with the new people he met. His success resulted in him being promoted to agency manager with State Farm where his group received many awards and distinguished tributes for their success. In total, he served 36 years with the company, colleagues and policy holders with whom he enjoyed working and serving before retiring.

In addition to his immediate family, Joe considered the congregation of the Kenner Presbyterian Church as part of his extended family, working closely with them as a member, Deacon, Elder and Elder Emeritus.

Relatives and friends are invited for visitation 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home (4900 Airline Highway, Metairie) on Monday, December 3, 2012. Funeral services at 1:00 PM. Interment in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesfuneralhome.com.