F. Joseph “Joe” Drolla Jr ., was born July, 30, 1940 and died October 23rd, 2026 at the age of 86. He is preceded in death by his parents, F. Joseph Drolla Sr. and Genevieve Clark Drolla, and his son David Joseph Drolla. Joe is survived by his wife Terry, his daughter, Dana Drolla Manly, his son-in-law David Michael Manly, and their daughter Alexis Manly Campbell. He was loved by his step children, James Aime, Jr. (Diana), Richelle Aime Dinwiddie (Jonathan) and Danielle Aime Joffrion ( Shane). He was a role model for his step grandchildren, Claire Dinwiddie Branstetter ( Robby), Paxton Dinwiddie, Andrew Dinwiddie, Gabrielle Joffrion, Madeline Joffrion, William Joffrion, and Alcee Aime.
A New Orleanian all of his life, Joe attended and graduated from St. Mary of the Angels Grammar School, Holy Cross high School, University of Notre Dame, and Loyola Law School, earning a Juris Doctorate and practicing law for 59 years. He loved being a lawyer; he used to say that he wanted to die at his desk! He was devoted to his clients, and was respected by his business associates. He was a member of the New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center for many years where he served as President and Treasurer. He loved his friends and was still playing handball every weekend with his “old” handball buddies and enjoying Wednesday nights at Ye Old College Inn with his Holy Cross classmates, and Friday nights with dear friends.
Most of all, Joe was a man of conviction, a man of honor, a man of truth, a man of the law, a man who took care of those he loved and cared about , a man of his word, a man who cherished his family, a man who knew that it was his time.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home at 1:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Holy Cross High School or the New Orleans - Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center.
