Salvador Joseph Guercia

Salvador J. Guercia passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at his home in Mandeville, LA surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Guercia was born in Long Beach, MS to his father and mother, the late Alberto Guercia and the late Josephine Campagna Guercia, on February 12, 1926. He was educated in New Orleans, LA where he graduated from Tulane University with a B.S. in Commercial Science. Mr. Guercia was most proud of his service to his country in World War II. Just shy of his 18th birthday, the 5'6" 148 lb. young man enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On February 1, 1944, with his mother's blessing and as an only child, he embarked for destinations unknown. Mr. Guercia's two year tour found him off the shores of Iwo Jima, Japan during the initial invasion, occupation of Okinawa to crossing the equator twice where he participated in the traditional ceremonies and was inducted into the Ancient Order of Shellbacks. Mr. Guercia was also a commissioning crew member of the U.S.S. Sandoval on her maiden voyage to defend our country. At daybreak on May 25, 1945, the U.S.S. Sandoval found herself under attack by three Japanese Kamikaze planes with one crashing into the ships bridge killing several of the commanding officers. Surviving his tour, he returned home to the United States where he was honorably discharged and received numerous battle stars and combat ribbons. Mr. Guercia continued to serve his country as a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he served as Sr. Vice Commander and the American Legion. Mr. Guercia flew the American Flag high and remained a faithful supporter of our military and its Veterans. He is also listed on the Honor Roll of Charter Members of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA. Upon returning to New Orleans in May of 1946, he began working at Jones & Laughlin Steel Co. Mr. Guercia married Ms. Jean Mary Perkins on February 7, 1948 where they proudly bore their only child, Steven James Guercia of Slidell, LA. They remained devoted to each other for 37 years until her passing August 31, 1984. In May of 1991, Mr. Guercia married Ms. Darlene H. Guercia. The two traveled the world numerous times where they never met a stranger and seemed to always make lifelong friends on every trip. The union lasted over 22 years until Mrs. Darlene passed away on November 12, 2013. Mr. Guercia retired from Liberty Mutual Insurance and S&E Services at 83 years of age. He was well respected and loved dearly by those he befriended. As an active senior, he favored the Mississippi coast's "One Armed Bandit" and collecting coins. Mr. Guercia lived a full life, committed to his family, hard work and his country. Mr. Guercia is survived by his son, Steven James Guercia and wife Vicki, grandchildren Ariane Guercia Ragas (George), Nicole Guercia, and Steven Guercia Jr., and great-grandchild Lana Ragas. Also survived and preceded in death by daughters, Deborah Hagan Roig (AJ) and the late Paulette Hagan Watts. Grandchildren Gary Leblanc (Diane), April McCormick (Bill), Chad Roig, and Natalina Burns. Great-grandchildren Krista, Brianne, Gary III, Wintress, Cy, Chad II, Hunter, Taylor, Joss and Saxton. Great-great-grandchildren Curtis II, Ali, and Sophie, and a very special grandpup, Cabella. A special thanks to the staff of St. Tammany Hospital and St. Tammany Hospice for their special care and love of Mr. Guercia and family. In lieu of flowers please support Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. A Funeral Mass and Interment will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 2:00 P.M. at Saint Joseph Abbey and Cemetery, 75376 River Rd, Saint Benedict, LA 70457, just North of Covington, LA. A reception will follow at The Guercia Residence; please contact the family for further details and directions to the reception. Mr. Guercia leaves us with his favorite quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all"