Luis Manuel Mateu

Luis Manuel Mateu, 65, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2017. Luis was born on December 11, 1951 in Matanzas, Cuba to the late Manuel and Celestina Mateu. He was one of fourteen thousand children sent from Cuba to the United States in the early 1960's as part of the U.S. government program called Operation Pedro Pan. Amidst Fidel Castro's rise to power, his parents freed him and his siblings from the future restrictions of the communist government, and provided him with a life of freedom in the United States. Luis was preceded in death by his beloved mother Celestina Abreu Mateu, father Manuel Mateu, uncle Jose Abreu (who was like a second father), sister Mirta Martinez, nephew Ricky Martinez and fourteen uncles and aunts. He leaves behind to grieve his beloved children, Luis Manuel Mateu Jr. (Jodie) and Shantel Marie McElveen (Aaron), grandchildren Blake and Taylor Mateu, Austin, Shelbi and Leila McElveen, Skyler Aucoin and great grandchild, Andi Grace McElveen, sister Elia Lusk (William), brother-in-law Miguel Martinez, aunt Ducle Hernandez and nephews Roberto Martinez and Aaron Lusk. Luis was a first-class welder at Avondale Shipyard and was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed cooking and fishing. He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather and took great pride in his grandchildren's milestones and special achievements. He also loved spending time with his beloved and faithful dog, Tia. A celebration of life service will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., near Clearview Pkwy., in Metairie, LA on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 beginning at 3:00 pm with a Memorial Mass to follow at 5:00 pm in Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home's chapel. Condolences may be offered online at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.