George William Giacobbe

The Honorable George William Giacobbe passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on February 29, 2020, at East Jefferson General Hospital after a brief and unexpected battle with cancer. George is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Gail LeBlanc Giacobbe, his three children, Kelly Giacobbe Gros (Jimmy), Corinne Giacobbe Hufft (Clay), and Lawrence Giacobbe, and the lights of his life, his two granddaughters, Ella Hufft and Gracelyn Gros. He is also survived by his sisters Maria Giacobbe, Lee Giacobbe Facenda, and Terri Giacobbe, his brother, Joseph Giacobbe, a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends who were like family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Giacobbe and Leona Bateman Giacobbe, and two siblings, Georgie Giacobbe Brown and Bob Giacobbe.

George grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, and was the 5th of 7 children of Leona and Lawrence Giacobbe. George is a graduate of Jesuit High School, Louisiana State University, and Loyola University Law School. George practiced law in Kenner and served as City Attorney and later Magistrate Judge for the City of Kenner.

In 1988, George was elected Judge for Division B of First Parish Court in Jefferson Parish. He retired as Senior Judge after twenty-six years on the bench. He truly enjoyed serving on the bench, and his tenure was marked by significant improvements in technology and efficiency. He had a reputation for being tough but fair, and underlying his every decision was the desire to do what was just and fair in each matter. George was so respected by his peers that he was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to preside over a special Domestic Relations Court in Jefferson Parish and to create and develop a Drug Court for the parish. He was tapped to represent Louisiana at the Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Special Court Judges, and he served on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Committee to evaluate new judgeships and court costs across the state. He served as the Secretary of the Louisiana City Judges Association, as well as President and Treasurer of the Fourth and Fifth Circuit Judges Association. Remarkably, George performed over 300 weddings. He always considered it an honor and privilege when chosen to officiate.

His Catholic faith was of utmost importance to George. He was a proud member of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, where he attended mass regularly and volunteered in the school cafeteria. George was involved in many community activities and organizations, but the one closest to his heart was the Louisiana Irish-Italian Organization. In 2003, George was selected as the Italian Grand Marshall for the Irish-Italian Parade in Metairie. He looked forward to marching each year, and he proudly served on the Board of Directors for the organization. He was a member of Jesters, as well as Chateau Estates Golf and Country Club, where he could be found holding court with his friends over a cocktail.

Although George enjoyed much professional success, he viewed his family as his greatest achievement. He was happily married to Gail for almost 50 years, and their relationship was like no other. We should all be so lucky. In 2008, George took on what was undoubtedly his favorite title - PaPa. Ella and Gracelyn had him wrapped around their little fingers. He was known to make them pancakes for dinner and snoballs for breakfast, and he loved every minute of it.

George came from a large family, and family was everything to him. He was happiest when hosting family gatherings with Gail. Every Easter you could find him hard at work boiling crabs and crawfish for 60-or-more guests, while Gail prepared an over-the-top Easter egg hunt for the children in the family.

George loved to travel, cook, golf, and fish, and he enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing cards. He was an avid LSU and Saints fan, and he loved a good joke. He never met a stranger, and his joy and passion for life, family, and friends left a lasting impression on all who were lucky enough to know him. Indeed, George’s most important legacy will be the roadmap he left for a life well lived. He loved with his whole heart, he unselfishly served the Lord and others, he truly enjoyed life, and he understood the importance of being a good husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend.

George’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other caregivers at East Jefferson General Hospital, who cared for him as if he were their own loved one. We are truly grateful that his final days were made easier by their compassion, concern, and kindness.

Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, Louisiana on Friday, March 6, 2020 beginning at 9 am. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in his memory to the Manresa House of Retreats, where Judge Giacobbe attended retreats for 40 years.