Photo courtesy of Honaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Slidell
Slidell, Louisiana
Aug 27, 1945 – Nov 3, 2024
Joseph Philip Mortillaro Jr., 79, a longtime resident of New Orleans, and a resident of Slidell since 2005, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Slidell.
Joe was born August 27, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Joseph and Rosalie Mortillaro. In 1965, he married Penny Maechling in New Orleans. In 1966, he entered the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was a combat veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. In 1968, he returned to New Orleans where he began a career as a machinist. In 2005 the family moved to Slidell.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Santa Quirk.
Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Penny M. Mortillaro; two children, Joseph Mortillaro III (Karen), Melissa Hoggatt (Bill); three brothers, Steve Mortillaro, Salvadore Mortillaro, Henry Mortillaro; three grandchildren, Therese Hoggatt, Tyler Hoggatt, and Grayson Hoggatt; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 400 Westchester Blvd, Slidell, Louisiana, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00am followed by the funeral mass at 11:00am.
A Private Burial with Military Honors will be held at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell at 12:30pm.
Read MorePenny, I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful and kind man and a great neighbor. The world won’t be as bright without Joe.
Bobby Volante
December 08, 2024 | Slidell, LA | Friend
My Dear Friend Joe. So many great memories of you over these many years. From Sal’s Quik Chek with your brother Henry and Steve to United Cab. You were by far an inspiration to me with your kindness, compassion and your contagious smile and optimism. I enjoyed every moment I had the fortune of seeing you and spending time together. You are the most special man always smiling and you never had a bad word to say about anyone you always looked for the better side of people and I wish I could...
Leonard Guidroz
November 21, 2024 | Waveland, MS | Friend
Joe was a very nice and sincere guy. Hope you will find comfort in remembering all the great times you shared. My thoughts and prayers are for his family. RIP. Sending hugs.
Linda Grannan
November 18, 2024 | Metairie, LA | Friend
Penny, I just heard about your loss of your dear husband. I am praying that you and your family keep him in your hearts as you cope with this devastating situation.
May memories be with you always and keep you close to him!
I remember how much he was always there for you and your children and grandchildren. May you find peace in the life that you shared for so many years!
One day you will meet him again in God’s time.
Beverly DiSalvo Giammalva
Kenner, Louisiana
Beverly Giammalva
November 13, 2024 | Kenner, LA | Acquaintance
Penny so so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all!!
Tom , Nicki, and Grant
Tom and Nicki Randell
November 09, 2024 | Metairie, LA | Friend
Met Joe through my son Charles Albright who was friends with his son Joseph. He and his wife Penny were friendly and funny. We had good times at St. Anthony of Padua school functions. Great guy. Lost track after Katrina. We moved to Texas. My condolences to his family.
Patricia Albright Jones
November 08, 2024 | Richmond, TX | Friend
One of the nicest people I've ever known. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Tommy Corona
November 08, 2024 | Jefferson, LA | Friend
Such a huge loss. So many memories of this amazing human being not one of them included him not laughing and smiling. Such a huge part of my children's young lives. His joliness made him my children's Santa. His quick wit love for his family will never be forgotten. Legacy of laughter/love. Deepest sympathies for this amazing family.
Michelle Salsbury
November 08, 2024 | Hattiesburg, MS | Friend
So sorry Penny, Joe & Melissa, I just heard about Joe, I’m so sorry to hear of his passing he was such a wonderful husband, dad & friend. Pat & Joey Harrison
Patricia Harrison
November 07, 2024 | Metairie, LA | Friend
