Joseph John Lafranca, Jr.

Joseph John Lafranca, Jr passed away Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Tulane University Hospital after a brief illness. Mr. Lafranca was a native of New Orleans, LA, and a Metairie resident his entire married life. Beloved husband of Ninette Villarrubia Lafranca for 51 years. He is the father of Mary L. Harris (Doctor Jim), Doctor Ann Lafranca Handy (Robert), Joseph J. Lafranca III (Stephanie), Timothy W. Lafranca (Jodi), David A. Lafranca (Lisa), and Kathryn L. Rao (Dr. Murli), and grandfather of Capt. Cliff Harris, Lt. Brad Harris, Christine Harris, Cadet Justin Harris, Michelle Harris, Peyton Harris, Carson Harris, Christopher Handy, Caroline Handy, Joseph Lafranca IV, Jacob Lafranca, Timothy (Will) Lafranca, Jr., Marcelle Lafranca, and Sophia Rao. Preceded in death by his parents Joseph J. Lafranca, Sr. and Rosalie Javelet Lafranca, and pre-born granddaughter Ava Marie Rao.

Mr. Lafranca graduated from Warren Easton High School. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Naval Air Reserve for eight years. His squadron was activated during the Cuban missile crisis. Mr. Lafranca received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University in 1960, and his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane in 1962, during which time he was an associate professor under Professor Louis Orth, Jr. He was certified as a Professional Engineer shortly after graduation.

In his career, Mr. Lafranca was employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in the design of components for the gas turbine engines for the B-70, Mach 2 supersonic experimental bomber, specifically the aero-thermodynamic ducts for supersonic flight. While employed at the U.S.D.A. Southern Regional Research Laboratory, he designed the mechanical equipment built to separate short and long cotton fibers using high voltage electrical fields, leading to the development of permanent press fabric. The work resulted in the securing of at least three patents. He later worked as Vice-President for J. L. Rumold & Co., Inc., General & Mechanical Contractors, and later as a consulting forensic engineer in private practice as Quest Engineering, Inc.

He obtained his master plumber’s license, was a lifetime member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the LA Engineering Society, National Society of Professional Engineers, Society of Tulane Engineers, National Academy of Forensic Engineers, and National Rifle Association.

He was a founding member of St. Angela Merici Parish in Metairie, where he ushered and was a Knights of Columbus member. He was a board member of St. Mary’s Dominican High School, serving on their building committee.

He was a dedicated engineer, loving husband, father and grandfather, available to all needing his skills and knowledge. In his free time he loved sailing.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend visitation Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Angela Merici Church, 835 Melody Drive, Metairie at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary’s Dominican High School, 7701 Walmsley Ave., N. O., LA 70125 or Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., N. O., LA 70119, preferred. Arrangements by Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed on line at www.schoencanalstreet.com.

Publish with photo on Tuesday, March 13, Wednesday, March 14. & Thursday, March 15, 2012