Joseph Vernon Richardson

Joseph Vernon (J.V.) Richardson peacefully died in his sleep on Sunday night May 7, 2017 at age 93. He was born March 28, 1924 in New Orleans, the son of Ransford Robert Richardson and Mary Alma Whittaker Richardson.

Vernon was the beloved husband of the late Gloria Catalanello Richardson for 44 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Hilda Sallinger Richardson, his brother Agna Benjamin Richardson, and niece Mary-Margaret Richardson. He is the father of Leslie C. Richardson (Chris Greve) and Ransford R. Richardson (Gerald Noto). Uncle of Nancy Elizabeth Richardson of St. Louis, MO.

He is stepfather to William Catalanello (Pamela), Michael Catalanello (Vantanee), Lawrence Catalanello (deceased) (Ellyn Couvillion), Donna Giffin (Wayne), and Nancy Hebert (George).

He is survived by his grandchildren: Marinn Mabry, Brett M. Prince (Andy), and Veronica Mehrtens-Urrutia (John); Jane C. McNulty (Brian), Jeremy Spain (Lora); Rebecca Catalanello (Steve Myers), Ramona Catalanello, Mike Catalanello, Joseph Catalanello; Anna Catalanello (Ashlie), Laura C. Cobb (Steven), Daniel Catalanello, Megan Couvillion; Blair Giffin (Diana), Joshua Giffin, Camille G. Ernst (Joe), Gabriel Giffin; and Benjamin Hebert. Preceded in death by Lisa Catalanello and Joseph Catalanello.

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Lance Prince, Carter Urrutia; Jack, Harry and Molly McNulty; Aida and Auden Myers; and Lucianna Giffin.

Vernon was a lifelong parishioner of St. Dominic’s Church, was active in the St. Vincent DePaul Society, a New Liturgy Lector, a member of the St. Dominic's Finance Committee, Parish Council, and Holy Name Society. He was a Charter member of St. Dominic's Knights of Columbus Council 3729 and past president of St Dominic’s Men’s Club. He lived in Lakeview until Hurricane Katrina and moved to Gentilly Terrace after the storm.

He served and was decorated in the US Army during WWII for three years of combat duty; he landed in Normandy June 7, 1944. From there he fought in France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany until VE Day, then served as a member of the occupational forces.

He retired in 1984 from Pan American Life Insurance Company after 33 years of service, starting in the mail room in 1951 and retiring as a Vice President. During his career he traveled throughout the United States, Cuba, the Virgin Islands, and South America spearheading PALIC's Latin American operations.

The Family is extremely grateful to the entire staff at Brookdale Kenner Senior Living Solutions for making his last days as comfortable as possible.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on May 26, 2017 from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon with a Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon all at St. Dominic’s Church, 775 Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St Dominic Church and St. Vincent DePaul Society preferred.

Burial will be private at a later date.