Joey Gerard Verdin

Joey Gerard Verdin, born on March 5, 1958, passed away at his residence in Lafitte, LA, at the age of 57, on February 15, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He left this world for a peaceful place without pain and suffering. He was surrounded at his bedside by his loving family.

Joey leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife and best friend, Halonna Dean Verdin; his wonderful children, Matthew Verdin, Randy Verdin and Jodella Verdin; adored grand-daughter, Hayden Williamson; mother-in-law, Rosalind Plaisance; sister, Wendy Verdin (Gary Aragon); brother, Lawrence “Buddy” Verdin, Sr.; God-sons, Gary Verdin and Jonathan Fournet; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives and great friends and his four legged pals, BleuBelle and Petunya. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Tousant Verdin and Betty Pizzalato Verdin; his God-father, Randolph Verdin; his God-mother, Mary Ann Severns; his God-son, Lawrence “Buddy” Verdin, Jr.

In his younger years, Joey was a commercial fisherman, who, in his free time, competed in body building and volunteered as a coach for his children’s sporting activities at Rosethorne Playground. Later, he took pride in his employment as a structural fitter in the ship building industry. He loved to deer hunt on his property in Tylertown, MS, loved the great outdoors, cooking and eating wild game, eating out, taking trips with his wife, spending time with his children and grand-daughter, hanging out with family and friends, had a passion for sports and weight lifting. Joey loved Christmas and would start his annual tradition in July, by listening to Christmas music and using his Christmas mug, not retiring it till Christmas day.

Joey was a gentle, kind, generous and intelligent man. He told stories of his youth and also of his children’s youth to anyone who listened. His sense of humor and love of life will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure to know him. He was an amazing man and we thank him for sharing his life with us. “GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN”

Thanks to Fr. John Ryan for his spiritual visits and prayers, to our Heart of Hospice angels, Melinda Harlow, RN, who went above and beyond the call of duty in Joey’s care and also his hospice aide, Lienienka Johnson for her compassionate care. The entire staff of West Jefferson Cancer Center for putting up with his spirited humor.

In lieu of flowers, please mail donations to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lafitte, LA for masses in his memory or the Louisiana American Cancer Society, 2609 River Rd., New Orleans, LA 70121.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Lafitte, LA, on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Visitation from 11:00 am until service time. Express condolences at www.westsideleitzeagan.com.