John J. Alesich, Jr. at the age of 91, born March 24, 1927 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was called by his late wife, Catherine P. Alesich and God, to join them in heaven on August 7, 2018. The beloved and devoted husband, father and friend is survived by his son, John Lou Alesich (Diane), and his three daughters, Lucille A. Palmisano (Richard), Catherine Alesich, and Karen Alesich. As a grandfather, he leaves Tiffany Alesich Cook (Brian), Chantel Maumus (Joe), Jonathan Alesich, Jennifer Vise, Brielle Keroack (Nathan) and Victoria Palmisano Wendlowsky (Trevor). As a great-grandfather, he leaves Zachary Vise, Chace Alesich, Niko Maumus, Domenic Maumus, Savannah Keroack, Elijah Keroack, Wil Cook and Emily Cook. Step-grandfather and step great-grandfather to Nikki Palmisano, Robin Shuchman (Mitch), Brent Fradella (Dana), Ava and Audry Fradella, Katherine Fradella, Chase and Cole Phelps.
Preceded in death by his parents, John Alesich and Nellie Greenberg Alesich of Croatia, John was their only child and grew up in the French Quarter, making his home in the Faubourg Marigny for his entire life on North Rampart Street. He attended St. Louis Cathedral Church where he served as an Altar Boy, moving on to St. Aloysius High School. While there, he was drafted into World War II to serve his country proudly. Upon his return after the war, he joined the New Orleans Police Department to serve his city proudly for 50 years. He began the force as a Beat Cop, moving on to “Three-Wheelers,” Harley Motorcycle Division, Traffic Division, 1st and 8th Districts, retiring from his beloved French Quarter in 2000. He received numerous commendations from our city mayors, state governors, Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush Sr., John F. Kennedy, to name a few. One of his most honorable assignments was to protect and escort Pope John Paul II here in New Orleans. He had a perpetual love for the Big Easy!
When John was not working, he was coaching baseball – the passion of his life. You could find him on the fields of St. Roch Playground and Kenilworth Playground leading his teams to Babe Ruth Bambino victories. He was known for his “At A Boy!” “At A Babe” sayings to hundreds of players that were on his teams throughout his 35 years as a NORD coach. When not on those fields, he would be in front of his tv cheering on his New York Yankees. John also served as an Usher to his devoted Blessed Seelos Church.
John received a Bachelor’s Accounting Degree from Soule Business College, Bachelor’s Degree in Bookkeeping from Southwestern Business College, Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University. He was a member of the Loyola University Cross Key Fraternity, as well as the Fraternal Order of Police and American Legion.
We are pleased that our Mom finally gave permission for our Dad to join her. May they both now forever watch over us, hand-in-hand. We will love them always to the heavens and earth, forever in our hearts! A special thank you to Fr. José of Blessed Seelos, and the Lakeside Hospice Group for their care and support to both John and his family during these times.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, August 10, 2018 from 9:30AM until 12 noon, followed immediatley by the Funeral Mass. He will be laid to rest at St. Bernard Memorial Gardens in Chalmette.
To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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