Luca "L.J." Joseph Governale Jr.

Luca “L.J.” Joseph Governale Jr. passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 79. Luca was born to the late Luca J. Governale Sr. and Raphael Bondi Governale on August 11, 1945. He was the beloved husband to Sue G. Governale for 50 years. He was a loving father to Luca J. Governale III and devoted stepfather to Bridget Swafford (John), Donald Ruiz, Aubin Dupre III and the late Tambra Ann Bonura. Beloved brother of the late Rita Deslatte (Joseph). Proud grandfather to Jennifer Gaudet (Ronnie), John Swafford (Alexandra), Allen Bonura (Rebecca), Brittany Bright (Chris), Kenneth Bonura (Kourtney) and Angel Dupre. Proud great grandfather to Alyssa Schiro, Madeline Gaudet, Kaylin and Harper Bright, and Ezekiel “Zeke” Bonura. Fondly remembered by his niece Lori Miller and nephews David Deslatte, Glenn Deslatte and the late Joseph Deslatte.

L.J. had a love for his family and friends. He had a passion for his vegetable and flower gardens and loved taking care of his own lawn. L.J.’s greatest joy was going fishing with his family and friends. Catching trout was his favorite. He enjoyed trips to the coast to go the Casinos and could often be seen at the Off Track Betting. L.J. loved to challenge anyone to a race with his GMC truck or to go shoot pool.

He was a proud US Army Veteran and served in the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge where he received multiple awards for National Defense Service Award, Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter (Rifle). After his discharge from the Army, L.J. went on to become a welder with the Boilermakers Local 37 Union for over 38 years until his retirement in 2008.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Ochsner Medical Center, especially Dr. Caroline Goldin, Dr. Clayton Smith and Dr. Joseph Keen. Also, Dr. Usha Padmama Mandhere, his VA doctor.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. A Memorial Mass will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by military honors.