Anthony J. Molero Jr.

Anthony J Molero Jr. earned his wings on October 27, 2025, after battling GBM since his diagnosis in November of 2024. After his first brain surgery, he was determined and bounced back, reestablished his short-term memory, relearned how to write, and eventually was able to get around without a walker. He showed us all that strength and determination, gave him extra time with those who loved him. He was born a survivor as he was the only one of three boys who didn’t die at birth. He astonished the doctors with remembering the Hawaiian State fish when he asked the doctors if they knew what it was. At a “no”, he replied with “humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa”. Although his illness was terminal, he was blessed with a family that stayed by his side, every step of the way until receiving farewells from his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

He was 76 years old and was born on April 16th in New Orleans to Anthony J Molero Sr. and Rita Dufresene. He grew up in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans and was a proud graduate of F.T. Nichols High School. After High School, Anthony enlisted and served in the U.S. Army. He later reenlisted with the U.S. Airforce active duty and then a reservist. He served in Desert Storm and Afghanistan. After serving 22 years, he was honorably discharged in April of 2006.

He worked in the steamship industry, put himself through college and earned his Master’s degree. He later worked for DCMA. He was incredibly proud to be a Veteran and member of the American Legion and VFW. Anthony settled in St. Bernard Parish and then relocated to Livingston Parish with his beloved wife after Hurricane Katrina.

Although he was successful within his own means and checked off his own boxes, one of Anthony’s biggest accomplishments was creating magic. If he did not know how to fix something, he figured it out. If he could not afford it, he worked toward affording it. And if someone needed advice, he knew just what to say. He put both of his sons through Holy Cross High School. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching the birds visit him in his back yard. He enjoyed the company of his children when they came to visit. Most importantly, he adored his wife. When they met, there were “two”. However, when they married, they truly became “one” and were a living testimony to many for 54 years.

Anthony was the life of every party and brought extraordinary joy to others. He enjoyed Big Band, the Eagles, and the Beatles, among many other genres. He was a fan of Phantom of the Opera as well as Jesus Christ Superstar. Pappy, Big Kahuna, Daddy-O, and PawPaw were nicknames crowned to him by those who loved him. Even up until his departure, he was a very practical man.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine Lopiccolo Molero; sons Joseph A Molero (Amanda Franklin, spouse), and Michael A Molero (Jennifer Pitre, spouse); grandchildren Hayden J Molero, Madeleine R Molero, and Camille V Molero; and youngest sister, Phyllis Molero.

Family and friends are invited to attend his memorial at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue Street, in Chalmette, on Friday, November 7 from 11:00AM - 1:00PM, followed by a Memorial Mass in Anthony's memory beginning at 1:00PM. He will be laid to eternal rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.