Frank Marion Bologna

Frank Marion Bologna died at his home Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011. His spirituality, charitable generosity and kindness were obvious to all who met him. His love for his late wife of 55 years, Maria "Cookie," was pure adoration. He is survived and was loved intensely by his children and their spouses, Sandra and Richard Ribes, Gene and Elaine Bologna, Maria "Re" and David DiVincenti, Phyllis and Phil Kerr, and Paul and Peggy Bologna; sisters, Frances Barcelona and Pietra Brocato; brother-in-law, Paul Palermo and wife, Joyce; sister-in-law, Nicoline "Cissie" Wessel and husband William; grandchildren, Candace Young, Jason Ribes and wife Stephanie, Justin Ribes, Francis Bologna, Gabrielle Bologna, Christina O'Brien and husband Joe, David DiVincenti Jr. and wife Lauren, Phillip Kerr, Frank Kerr, Stefanie Bologna, Samantha Bologna and Sophia Bologna; and great-grandchildren, Abigayle Young, Katherine Young, Mackenzie O'Brien, Lucy O'Brien, William Ribes, Maxwell Ribes, Alena Grace Ribes and Anthony Paul DiVincenti. Frank, born April 6, 1928, was preceded in death by his wife, Maria "Cookie" Palermo Bologna; parents, Eugene and Mary Lungaro Bologna; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dr. Pascal and Philomena Clesi Palermo; brothers-in-law, John Barcleona and Samuel Brocato; devoted aunt, Fannie; and uncle, Allen Ruiz. A 1945 graduate of Riverside Military Academy, he received the Horton Award for outstanding service. Frank attended Catholic High School and became a 1945 honorary graduate. He was installed into Catholic High School's Hall of Fame and also became a charter member of the Founders Society. Frank served in the U.S. Army. Working alongside his father and his uncle, Frank grew up in the grocery business, helping to develop Bologna Brothers. Frank and his father founded Baton Rouge Wholesale Liquor Co. which expanded into Bologna of Louisiana. Frank's commitment to education included endowing scholarships at St. Aloysius School, St. Joseph's Academy, Catholic High School, St. Joseph Seminary and LSU. Frank volunteered as a football coach for 13 years at Sacred Heart of Jesus School. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 3298 which his father started, a leader for Continuing Our Legacy for Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, a member of the board of directors for St. Joseph's Academy, a member of retreat No. 5 for 40 years at Manresa Retreat House, a member of the Holy Sepulcher and the organizational committee to erect a statue of Christopher Columbus for the Quincentenary celebration. In 2009, the Epicurean Society honored Frank with the "Mama" Marino Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2010, members of his Sacred Heart football teams recognized Coach Frank for his strong influence in their lives. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Friday, Jan. 28, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at noon, celebrated by the Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre, V.G., Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans. Entombment in Roselawn Cemetery, 4045 North St. Pallbearers will be David DiVincenti Sr., Richard Ribes, Phil Kerr, Jason Ribes, Justin Ribes, Francis Bologna, David DiVincenti Jr. and Dr. Carl Luikart. The family appreciates and especially thanks Dr. Carl Luikart and wife Diana for their extraordinary care. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Academy, Catholic High School or St. Aloysius School.