Donald Joseph Gennaro

Donald Joseph Gennaro passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday April 9, 2026, at the age of 92. He was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Metairie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Linda Chatelain Gennaro; his son, Michael Gennaro (Deborah), his daughter, Lucy Nourse (David), and his son, Thomas Gennaro (Katique); his 7 grandchildren, Angela Beler (Patrick), Kristina Locascio (Anthony), Vincent Gennaro (Amy), Bridget Correa (Mark), Teresa Gennaro, Elizabeth Frantz (Brian), and Dominic Gennaro; his 9 great-grandchildren, Philip, Luca, Grace, Cecilia, Michael, Nicolo, Alice, Julia, and Audrey; his sisters, Victoria Fuselier and Flora Bealer; his brother, John Gennaro (Sandy); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Calogero Gennaro and Ignazia Bonsignore Gennaro, and his sister, Jacquline Caire. Don remained very close with his extended family of cherished cousins in Sciacca, Sicily who upon hearing of his death held a Mass in Sciacca dedicated in his honor.

Don retired from National/Canal Villere after 35 years of service and built a thriving tire shop business in his spare time. He was a member of the first graduating class in Auto Mechanics from Delgado Trades School in 1957. Don was a strong yet gentle man with a fierce work ethic and optimistic spirit who was loved by all he encountered. He was very devout in his Catholic faith and always carried and prayed his Rosary. Don loved spending time with his family and served as a role model and trusted advisor, offering support, guidance, and mentorship to all. His passions were fishing and promoting his Italian Heritage. He was a charter member of the East Jefferson Italian American Society, where he held officer positions including President and Corresponding Secretary, and was recognized with the organizations Man of the Year Award in 1992 and President’s Award in 1997. He chaired EJIAS participation in the Irish Italian Parade for many years and led numerous casino bus trips to the Gulf Coast as part of the EJIAS fund-raising activities. Don was also honored by the American-Italian Federation of the Southeast with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be held from 10:00AM – 12:00PM. Mass begins at 12:00PM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.