Jasper Michelli

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith, now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. 2 Timothy 4:7. Joseph Joe Michelli, our loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother and friend, left this world to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, April 2, 2010. Affectionately called G.J. by his close family and friends, he touched the lives of all who knew him and many whose paths he crossed. Always known as a fighter, Joe began his journey on Jan. 21, 1941, in New Orleans where he was born a blue baby. Later he contracted childhood polio and after more than a yearlong battle was cured. In 1994, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and fought to the end. He defied all odds for many years and went peacefully home, with his family by his side, when our Lord called his name. He was a fighter and will always be a hero in the eyes of his family and close friends. Following his graduation from Redemptorist High School, Joe enlisted and served in the U.S. Army. Following his tour of duty, Joe met and married the love of his life and soul mate, Billie Venure Smith Michelli. Their 50year marriage, from which four children were born, was a match made in heaven. It was often commented that one was not seen without the other they were inseparable. He and Billie owned and operated Joes Used Car Sales until his retirement in 2000. Of his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many things including hunting and fishing with his family, vacationing in Florida, and many trips with Billie and friends to Las Vegas. And his spirit for living life to the fullest will be what we will remember most. Family and friends are invited to share in our sorrow and celebration of life at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, on Monday, April 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a recitation of the rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home Tuesday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Funeral service at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. Michael J. Moroney. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. All are invited to join the family for a memorial gathering at Stone Farms, 16741 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs, immediately following interment. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Elizabeth Wills Michelli father, Jasper D. Michelli and fatherinlaw and motherinlaw, Isaac and Sarah Smith. He is survived by his wife, Billie four children, Darryl Michelli and wife Kellie, Tina Marie Stone and husband Randy, Dana Guillory and husband Ricky, and Marcus Michelli and wife Stephanie 17 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. The family wishes to thank Ochsner Hospital and staff, Dr. Boyd Helm and Glenn Moreau.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Monday, April 5, 2010
5pm8pm 04062010 9am10am

Service

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
14040 Greenwell Springs Road
Greenwell Springs, LA  70739
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
11am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816