Joseph Arthur Gonzales passed away Monday, August 19, 2019, while surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years old and preceded in death by his parents, the late Nicholas Gonzales and Edna Melerine Gonzales; brother of the late Doris Gonzales Robin, Nora Gonzales Mook, Vivian Gonzales Melerine, and Nicholas Gonzales. He was the devoted husband of Selina Molero Gonzales for 75 years. Loving father of the late Joseph Richard Gonzales (Carol), Spencer Gonzales (Sheila), and the late Joy Lynn Gonzales Hernandez (Michael). Grandfather of Gretchen Gonzales Nicosia (Michael), Desiree Gonzales Delacruz (Simeon), Gisele Gonzales Abadie (Christopher), Tim Gonzales (Wendy), Carmen Gonzales, Jan Gonzales Hughes (Matthew), Jeffrey Hernandez (Jan), and Julie Hernandez (Eric). He is survived by 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was a lifelong resident of St. Bernard. He is a decorated veteran and was honored to serve his country in the Army during World War II. Joseph was a master carpenter who built many wooden boats, including a two-story luxury house boat, large fishing vessels, and pirogues. He was the captain of his oyster vessels as a commercial oyster fisherman. He also built houses, including his home, cabinetry, furniture, and carved duck decoys. He is featured in many Hurricane Katrina documentaries, including "The Good Pirates of the Forgotten Bayous" book, articles in the Wall Street Journal, The Times Picayune, and others. He became infamously known as "The Boatman" from the Time, Inc. series which was also featured in People Magazine.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 AM. He will be laid to rest with military honors in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, St. Bernard, LA.
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