Josephine "Josie" Tranchina Belte

The family of Josephine “Josie” Tranchina Belte is deeply saddened to announce her passing on April 14, 2026. Born on November 26, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was the first child of the late Dominick and Louise Tranchina. Josie lived a full and remarkable life devoted to her family.

She attended St. Stephen Catholic School in New Orleans through high school. Thereafter, Josie continued her education at comptometer school and worked as a comptometer operator for different local companies. In 1973, she began working for The Lighthouse of the Blind, where she worked until 1995, when she retired.

Josie married her childhood sweetheart, Kenneth “Kenny” Belte, on May 19, 1954, at St. Stephen Catholic Church. They met at a local “sweetshop” when she was fourteen years old, and it was love at first sight. They were inseparable from that day forward, and their love story never ended. At last, they are reunited, and may their souls rest in eternal peace.

In addition to her parents, Josie is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Kenny, and her sister, Mary Tranchina.

Josie is survived by her two children, Mary Belte Schneider (Scott) and Kenneth Belte, Jr. (Dawn); two grandchildren, Chynna Kelly (Michael) and Brandon Gantar; three step-grandchildren, Scott Anthony Schneider (Amy), Justin Schneider, and Caroline Blossman (Rhody); two great-grandchildren, Kaia and Kori Kelly; and four step-great-grandchildren, Adele, Sean, Clara, and Sloan Schneider.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00AM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:00AM. The interment will immediately follow the Mass at All Saints Mausoleum (in Metairie Cemetery).

Lastly, Josie’s family would like to give special thanks to the physicians and staff at East Jefferson General Hospital and Colonial Oaks Living Center for their wonderful care, support, and kindness.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com