Norman Joseph Guerrera 99.5 years old of Metairie, LA died peacefully in his home on September 16th surrounded by his daughters. He was born January 2, 1927 to his parents: Mary Louise Benson Guerrera and Joseph Sebastian Guerrera in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Sebastian Guerrera, Mother Mary Benson Guerrera, wife Cyprienne Carbone Guerrera, sisters Mary Bordelon and Malvina Blackledge.
At the age of 17, Norman joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served in the American Area Campaign; Asiatic – Pacific Area: World War II Victory; Philippine Liberation as a Navy Armed Guard and Third Fleet. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves during the Korean War and was Honorably discharged in 1951.
While on military leave, Norman met the love of his life Cyprienne Irene Carbone on the SS President Riverboat and fell madly in love, married in 1949 at St. Mary’s Italian Catholic Church in New Orleans.
When discharged he joined the New Orleans Fire Department, where he retired as the Assistant Director of Fire Prevention after a long and successful career. He also built his own painting and home repair business which he worked in for many years.
He was a member and past President of the Paul E. Boyd Marine Corp League, member of the American Legion Post 350 and avid square dancer with the Gold Dust Twirlers Club.
Survived by four daughters: Darlene Guerrera Cusanza (Salvador Cusanza, Jr.), Linda Guerrera Reidling (Raymond Reidling - deceased); Deborah Rose Sighinolfi (Richard Dino Sighinolfi- deceased); Cyprienne Guerrera Stierwald (Louis Stierwald, Jr deceased) and; eight grandchildren Kristin Cusanza , Dominic Joseph Cusanza, Jennifer Corbige, Amy Montgonery, Amanda Sibenkettel, Melissa Reidling , Nikki Sighinolfi and Ricky Sighinolfi , eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Survived by his brother Ralph Louis Guerrera.
Norman will be remembered as a devoted and loving father/ grandfather and a devoted Catholic. A man of principles and humility, he is described by friends and acquaintances as a very kind and generous man, patient, compassionate and a peacemaker. He also loved his pets dearly and any animal or birds that visited his home.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 25th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by mass with military honors at Leitz- Eagan funeral home 4747 Veterans Blvd. Metairie. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery #3.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Crimestoppers, Inc. www.crimestoppersgno.org
