Frederick "Freddie" Joseph Giangrosso Jr.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy Szustak Giangrosso and his parents, Frederick J. Giangrosso Sr. and Anna Mae Verret Giangrosso.

He is survived by his daughters, Denise C. Naquin (Chris) and Monica Lyn Giangrosso, grandchildren, Ty, Haley, Zoe, and Eli Naquin, and great-grandchild, Easton Luke Naquin. He is also survived by his brothers, Bernard “Posty” Giangrosso (Barbara) and Gerard “Gerry” Giangrosso (Marian), niece, Melissa L. Morrell (Matthew), nephew, Dr. Gerard Giangrosso Jr. and great-niece, Charlotte L. Morrell.

Fred, as he was known to most, was born on November 11, 1943, on what is now known as Veterans Day, in Augusta Georgia and spent his early years in the tiny Village of Loreauville, LA with his first cousin, Lana Dauterive Breaux. The family finally settled in what is now known as Norco, on Shell property, where his father worked.

After his earlier education, he entered St. Joseph Seminary College, initially studying to become a priest. He ended up enlisting in the Navy on May 10, 1966, and served until he was honorably discharged in July of 1970. After his service in the Navy, he resided in New Orleans, LA until May 1973 when he married Dorothy Szustak. He settled the family in LaPlace, LA where he was a parishioner of Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church for many years and later in life St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

He took great pride in working for Norco Gas Company, now Atmos, in Norco. After retiring from Norco Gas, he started a new adventure, driving a school bus for St. John the Baptist Parish school district. He found great joy driving the bus and bonding with his co-workers, as he was a very gregarious person who always had a joke ready for anyone he encountered. For years he participated in many summer productions with the St. John Theatre and found himself in quite a few comedic performances.

Upon his retirement from the school board, he enjoyed watching his four grandchildren grow and flourish, always attending Grandparent Day, sporting events, and countless dance revues. Along with attending Pelicans games with his brother, he always cherished that one Saints game a season he was blessed to be able to attend with his cousin, Lana and her friends. He always enjoyed watching and talking football, and later in life found an interest in golf and was excited to have golf talk with his son-in-law. Fred was a notorious storyteller and jokester. He always had a joke ready to go for friends and strangers alike. He could keep you entertained for hours.

After the death of his beloved wife, he moved to Montz, LA to be closer to his family, where he was able to spend extra time with his grandchildren and great-grandchild. Due to Parkinson’s, he was admitted to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in January of 2023, until his death. He enjoyed playing bingo and the various musicians that would come and entertain the veterans. He always said he loved the food, except the pork chops. He was known as “Mr. Freddie G.” to the staff and they all came in waiting for a joke. He appreciated Sonya, Naomi, and Dontrelle keeping him very engaged in activities. Mr. Brian Fremin, the veteran’s home administer always took the time to listen to his stories and his jokes, which he appreciated. From the moment he entered the veteran’s home he was welcomed with open arms and made so many lasting connections with other veterans and the amazing staff.

In lieu of flowers, we greatly encourage you to donate or volunteer your time to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve, LA, so the residents can continue to enjoy their bingo days, peanut auctions, snacks, and live music.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Destrehan, LA. Visitation will be held from 10AM – 12PM with Mass to begin at 12PM with military honors to follow.