Joseph Francis Angelico

On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, Joseph Francis Angelico left this earth and joined his beloved wife with the angels. The world lost one of the most humble and devoted men to ever live. Joe grew up in Metairie, the son of Joseph and Mary Agnes Angelico, brother to Susan (Nelson), Joseph Jr, Michael (Virginia), Maria, Robert (Kathy) and Eileen (Roy). Joe was a graduate of Jesuit High School, Class of 1963. A loyal Blue Jay for the last 59 years, he actively recruited nephews and great nephews to attend. Joe was a perennial volunteer in the Jesuit Alumni Office as well as attending many Blue Jay sporting events.

Two major milestones happened for Joe in 1967. The first, he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) and was commissioned as an officer. He would continue his Coast Guard career over the next 21 years when he retired as a Commander in 1988. In 2008 Joseph was inducted into the USCGA Wall of Gallantry in the Hall of Heroes for his service in Vietnam. His commitment to the Coast Guard did not end at retirement. He served his class faithfully as their Class Correspondent for the Alumni Association, planning many reunions over the years including this year’s 55th class reunion. The second milestone was he married the love of his life, Irita Hooper Angelico. Joe was a dedicated husband to her for 53 years. Through those years they created a family where Joe shined in the roles, he was most proud of, father to his daughters Stefanie (Brian) and Melissa (Steven) and grandfather to Jack, Abigail, Emma, and Andrew.

There are many things Joe will be remembered for, his loyalty and devotion to Jesuit and the USCGA, his flair for storytelling, his competitiveness at every game he played, his die-hard faith for the New Orleans Saints and his overwhelming love of family. Anyone who knows Joe, will remember most his love and devotion for his “Heart,” Irita. Through the good and bad, Joe & Irita were hopelessly in love and devoted to each other. They are reunited together in eternal life. Rest in Peace.

Memorial Services will be held Monday, June 6, 2022, at Chapel of the North American Martyrs, Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be at 10:00 am with a Memorial Mass at 12:00 pm. An inurnment service will be held at the United States Coast Guard Academy Columbarium in New London, Connecticut at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Jesuit High School or USCGA Alumni Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gracenorthshore.com for the Angelico family.