Joseph Charles Glorioso

At 10:30 a.m. on May 1, a beloved and inspirational Lafayette High School teacher passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residency on 123 Jomela St in Lafayette. Mr. Joseph C. Glorioso, Jr. was born in October of 1916 and was 94 at the time of his death. He is best known for his support of early education that was imaginative, relevant and promoted a thirst for learning among his students. He was a staunch advocate of teaching excellence and professionalism. He received his undergraduate and graduate education at Louisiana State University. During his long career, he taught math and science to veterans following WWII which launched his teaching career as a high school science and math teacher at Lafayette HS from 1952-1958. In 1959, he served as a traveling science teacher for the State Department of Education bringing new ideas and modern developments in scientific research. Among his accomplishments during this time, he organized summer school courses in biology as Grand Isle that encouraged students to pursue a career in marine biology. He subsequently worked for the Lafayette Parish School board during the 1960s where he advocated for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, he helped develop the local Head Start Programs and the Alleman Center of Lafayette which helped provide education for handicapped children. In the early 1970s, he served as Assistant State Superintendent for the Louisiana State Department of Education. In the Mid-1970s, he retired from Louisiana Education System but continued his interest in French culture as a member of the Council for Development of French in Louisiana where he organized a close association of local and French Canadian Citizens. Years later he pursued his interest in the justice system and provided paralegal assistance for the City of Lafayette. In his later years, he continued his own education as a writing student at the University of Louisiana. He has written extensively on the local culture and his own life. Mr. Glorioso served his country as Second Lieutenant and tank commander in the US Army fighting abroad during the famous Battle of the Bulge. He was injured by a land mine explosion during a reconnaissance mission at that time and received a Purple Heart. Joe married Carolyn Farmer of Louisville, KY in 1943 while stationed at Fort Knox, KY. He is survived by his son Joseph C. Glorioso, III and his Wife Paola Grandi and two daughters, Charlotte G. Cain and her husband Donald and Theresa G. Howard and her husband Edwin, his 14 grandchildren, Beth, Jennifer, Lisa, Amy, Christin, Joseph, Alexandra, Leonardo, Danielle, Ian, Camille, Sarah, Joseph, and Laura, and his 4 great grandchildren, Hendrix, Harper, Alison, and Carmella. He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn of 53 years and by his sons Robert and John and his daughter Mary Carmella. Joe had a wide range of accomplishments but he is most remembered by his family for his wry sense of humor, his encouragement to become the best at your chosen profession, his outstanding tomato plants and garden, and his love for his children and grandchildren. Joe explored his entire life and had many interests including biology, math, history and politics. After teaching, he derived the most satisfaction from writing that he pursued to the very end of his life. He was a great storyteller. He also made the most delicious and inventive meatball spaghetti. His family will miss the way he brought them all together spanning four generations. Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm. The Family wishes to thank Hospice of Acadiana for wonderful care, especially Jo, his hospice nurse. The family would also like to thank Homeinstead especially Cheryl who handled scheduling of his care. Also greatly appreciated is the compassion and kind attention of his caregivers Kandy and Janie. A special appreciation goes out to Betty Evans, a close friend in his late years. In lieu of flowers, The Family would appreciate donations to Hospice of Acadiana. Personal condolences may be sent to the Glorioso family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.