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Joseph Giarrusso Obituary

GIARRUSSO Joseph I. Giarrusso, Jr., died on September 12, 2012 at home. Joe was a retired Magistrate from Orleans Criminal Court, a retired attorney associated with the McGlinchey Stafford law firm, a mediator at MAPS, and an adjunct professor at Loyola University. He was the beloved husband of Judge Robin M. Giarrusso; the devoted father to his children Joseph and Courtney and devoted father-in-law to Catherine; and the loving grandfather of Sofia and Marta who affectionately called him "Spikee." Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon with a Funeral Mass following visitation. Interment at Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit and sign the family guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Sep. 13 to Sep. 14, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Giarrusso

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Shay

September 7, 2023

Judge Giarrusso and Joe. Mr.Joe was a kind man as I had the pleasure to care for Courtney he and I would talk about his retirement and law. I pray that you all have peace knowing God blessed you with a special man. Love Shay.

October 8, 2012

My thoughts and prayers for Robin and your kids.I will always remember when we first met thru Felix and the conversations that you two would have.R.I.P. my friend and let Felix know how much I miss him.David Mars.

Jeanne O'Boyle

October 8, 2012

Judge Giarrusso,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember Joe's kindness and wit. I am so sorry.

Fr. Douglas Brougher

October 8, 2012

I was very moved by Joseph G. III's article in the paper. Thank you for this gift to all of us.
Know that you all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Leader told me how beautiful the funeral service was.
Shalom,
Fr. Doug Brougher
Touo Infirmary and Good Shepherd/St Stephen.

Harold Patin

October 1, 2012

Deepest sympathy and prayers for the Giarrusso family. God Bless, Harold Patin

Steven Witman

October 1, 2012

I, and I am sure, all who knew and worked with Joe, feel a deep sense of loss. My deepest sympathy to his entire family.

Rich Barrett

September 30, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.Joe was a respected Senior at De La Salle when I was a freshman.

September 26, 2012

Robin--I am so terribly sorry to hear of Joe's death. Although our paths haven't crossed in years I will always remember our freshman year in law school and especially that day just before exams when he announced to the class that you two were getting married!! What a bright spot he was and the world is darker with his loss. I am sending you thoughts and prayers for strength and healing. With love,

Cary Davis King

September 24, 2012

Joe and I had several cases over the years together and began meeting for breakfast regularly prior to Katrina. He always spoke so highly of you, Robin and was so proud of his children, Joseph and Courtney. My deepest sympathies to you for the pain you must feel for the loss of this man, husband, father and friend, whom we will all miss.
Scott Jones

September 24, 2012

I'd known Joe since we were at De La Salle together ~ he in the Color Guard and I in the Band. Great guy then, and a great mentor as we both aged. He WILL be greatly missed. If Joe taught me one thing it was to measure a person by their Time, Talent, and Treasure!

Francis P Moises, DLS '67

cheryl corcoran

September 21, 2012

Joe, you touched so many people with your beautiful smile. Your faith in Our Lord and in the Blessed Mother and in your ability to teach and live your daily life by God's example has touched all of our lives. I will always remember you sitting in the back of St. Dominic and Holy Spirit Church for Mass. You showed so much compassion, you were so generous with your time and thoughts of wisdom. I remember speaking with you and you would listen with great patience and true sincere interest. Anyone that came into your life and had a chance to know you were truly Blessed. You helped them to become a better person. I will always pray for you and your family. May all the Angels sing in high reJoyce since you are now Home. May God Bless your family and give them the strength to know they were truly Blessed having a special person like you in there life.
A friend that will miss you. Cheryl Corcoran and The Corcoran Family

Larry Samuel

September 19, 2012

Loel joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy to you, Courtney and Joe. Please know that our thoughts are with you.

Robin Arena

September 18, 2012

I'm sending all of my love and prayers to Robin, Joe and Corutney for your lost. I have many great happy memories of your family at Ruth Chris. he will be so missed, I love you all... Robin

September 18, 2012

With deepest sympathy, Judge James L. Dennis.

Al Ferry

September 18, 2012

I have not seen Joe since he graduated from De La Salle High School where I was a young teacher, yet I fondly recall Joe as a student leader and as a very involved and involving cheerleader.

He is cheering for us in heaven.

September 17, 2012

Robin and family,

It saddened me to hear of Joe's passing on. Joe was a wonderful person to work with. He always brought joy into the room with him. I remember him fondly from our days at the Attorney General's office together. May the God of Peace comfort all of you at this time.
Lois Davis
Shreveport, LA

David Legier

September 17, 2012

May Our Lord receive your soul into the Kingdom of Heaven. Joe, may you remain for eternity at peace with Our Lord to praise and adore Him.
Our prayers and sympathy go out to all the Giarrusso Family.
Also, the De La Salle High School Family has lost a loyal and devoted alumnus.

Live Jesus In Our Hearts. We will miss you.

David & Jane Legier

Irma Russell

September 17, 2012

My Family will continue to lift the entire Giarrusso Family up in prayer. Much Love to you always and especially at this time.
Rose Russell and Family

Deacon Dan Reynolds

September 17, 2012

Joe touched my life and the lives of many others at Holy Spirit. He is missed!

Leah and Paul Eskine

September 17, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. Joe was a wonderful man and we extend our deepest sympathies.

Arlene

September 17, 2012

You will be missed. You were loved by the whole community. God bless you!

September 16, 2012

Judge Giarrusso,

I pray that GOD will keep you and give you the peace and strength that you need to go through this season in your life. I encourage you to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.

May God Bless You and Your Family,

Nicole Sheppard

Stephen Barry

September 16, 2012

Judge and family,

Words never seem adequate in such a time of loss. Joe was a great guy and will be missed. Please accept our deepest condolences. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Stephen and Daphne Barry

September 16, 2012

Joe,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our heart goes out to you and your family during this very difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan & Paul Coney

September 16, 2012

Robin, even though I never met Joe, he must have been very special to marry you and have such a wonderful family. Janice and I send our sympathies and our love to you and the family. Don & Janice Phillips

Marsha Martin

September 16, 2012

My deepest sympathies...such a loss for your family, for the community.

Fr. Douglas Brougher

September 16, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this painful time.
Joe always reminded me that he had been my altar boy when I was a newly ordained priest at St Raphael many years ago.
Although I did not see him often, I was always impressed with his energy, enthusiasm and concern for others.
I will offer Mass for him and for you all.
May the Risen Lord's Peace be your strength.
Fr. Doug Brougher
Touro and Good Shepherd/St Stephen

Eddie J Jordan

September 16, 2012

Joe and I began our tenure as federal prosecutors at roughly the same time. Later, I got to know Joe and his late father. Both were outstanding men. Joe always had a warm smile, a firm handshake and a kind word. We shouldn't despair - Joe has joined his dad in heaven, the final resting place for all who have left this world a better place.

Gretta Burns

September 15, 2012

Judge Giarrusso and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this great loss. Your strength will carry you through. My family join me in expressing our condolence.
Gretta R. Burns

Jay Bonomolo

September 15, 2012

Joe has been a friend for some 50 years since our days at CBS and DLS ...and on through our adult lives. Recently, he was so proud of Courtney's achievements. My heart goes out to Robin, Courtney, and Joe III. I know all too well what you are going through. I'm thinking about you all.

Jay Bonomolo - old friend, CBS, DLS '70

Ashleigh Diaz

September 15, 2012

Rest in peace JoJo! You will forever be in our hearts.

Carol & Alan

September 15, 2012

He was a BIG man
With a BIG heart
He's going to leave a BIG space
In a LOT of lives.
Love to Robin, children and grandchildren,

constantine georges

September 15, 2012

Joe was a treasured colleague and a great person to be in his company. I shall miss him.

Alan & Janell Weber

September 15, 2012

It was a pleasure to serve with Joe on the DLS Alumni Board. Janell enjoyed talking with him when he visited De La Salle. God bless him and his family.

September 15, 2012

Robin, Courtney, Joe and Cassie,
Thank you all for sharing Joseph with us. A very special man I loved to call "The Big Brother I never had."
Bridget

Gregory Noto

September 15, 2012

Thank you Lord for the time you shared your son Joe with us here on Earth. He is back home now. ( Sorry Joe for talking about your slippers the last time we were together) Love you my brother...St. Pete, it is our brother Joe, let him in..

Lear Enclarde

September 15, 2012

may god bless your family in your lost. I was supervisor of the magistrate section at criminal district court. It a pleasure working with judge Giarrusso. He was very kind. Your family has my deepest sympathy. God bless you all

Margaret Tardo

September 15, 2012

Judge Giarrusso and Family, my prayers and sympathies are with you and your famiy for the loss of a really nice gentleman. Joe will be in a better place above to watch over his family and friends. May God Bless Joe Giarrusso, Jr. and his family and friends in their time of need and my prayers are sent for all of his family and friends.

David Belfield III

September 15, 2012

My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May God continue to comfort and bless you. May his soul rest in peace.

Jan Ortego

September 15, 2012

Robin, Joe,III and Courtney,

My prayers and love go out to you and all the Giarrusso family. Joe, Jr. was such a good man and will leave a legacy of good works and love for his fellow man. God bless you all.

Love,
Jan

Harry S. Tervalon, Jr.

September 15, 2012

My thoughts and prayers to the entire Giarrusso family. Joe was always a gentleman and so caring a person. I will miss him. I am thankful I knew him.

Bryceson & Nora Chapuis

September 14, 2012

Robin, Courtney and family,
Words are so inadequate at times and this is one of them. My family and I send heartfelt condolences and wishes for family healing in your own time.

Fred Herman

September 14, 2012

Robin,Courtney and Joe, I know the outpouting of love will bolster you in this time of such profound sorrow. Your family ,our family,the profession and the community have lost a wise ,loving and compassionate soul. May G-d bless you and watch over you and may his memory be a blessing forever and ever! Fred&Amanda

Leigh Anne Wall

September 14, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Joe's family. Joe was a mentor when I was a young attorney. I will never forget his kindness and his wisdom.

Bam Viloria Gressett

September 14, 2012

Joe was the best mentor a young legal eagle could have. A now much older lawyer.

September 14, 2012

This is a terrible tragedy and a great loss for all of us.
James P. Farwell

Doug & Jeanne Pedigo

September 14, 2012

Dear Robin, Courtney, and Joseph,
Doug and I are so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you and comfort you in this difficult time, and, please know that we are praying for you. With love, Jeanne and Doug Pedigo

Annette Buras

September 14, 2012

To the Giarrusso Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My path crossed with Joe's many times at CLE seminars over the past 20 years. He was generous with his time and his smile. He always had a kind word, a patient ear and a funny story to tell. He's is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

September 14, 2012

Robin, I am so sorry to hear of JOE'S passing!He was a great friend and I will miss him dearly! I will cherish the great times we had together. The Bruce Desporte family.

Michael Keller

September 14, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family in this time of need. Michael Keller

Col. Daniel A. Moroco, USMC (Ret)

September 14, 2012

Paisá, I never forgot the trip we planned to Italy. You were always the cheeriest guy on campus. May God rest your soul, my Hoya brother! Robin, I never met you - may God be with you and your family in this difficult time.

Mindy and Bob Caplan

September 14, 2012

Dear Robin, Courtney and Joseph,
We were so sorry to learn of Joe's death and wish we could be with you at this difficult time. Bob and I leave Saturday for Boston for medical treatment and will be unable to be with you on Saturday. Our hearts are heavy and wish we could be there to support you all at this most difficult time. We pray that knowing there are so many who care about you will give you strength in the days ahead.

Amy Bindewald

September 14, 2012

A good, good man who always made a point to make others smile, and always ready to help whether asked or not. I will miss talking to him, his broad knowledge, his recommendations for good restaurants and beer, his encyclopedic knowledge of 1960s song lyrics...and that's just my small view of a man who was loved by so very many.

Bernadette Toney Shine

September 14, 2012

To Robin and family I had the pleasure of caring for Joe and his father many years ago @ Tulane medical center and the two of them and you were so very kind I was and am continually impacted by your down to earth nature. I usually try to avoid gimmicky lines @times like these however this is one of the few times its appropriate but our loss is TRULY heaven's gain. He was a big man and he needed to be to carry that big heart...take comfort please in knowing his was a purpose driven life...GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU

Joyce Cornibe

September 14, 2012

To the Giarrusso family:
I never knew Joe Giarrusso as Judge Giarrusso, but as Mr. Joe Giarrusso. His faith teaching classes started me on a quest for a deeper spirituality, which continues today. Such a knowledgable and wonderful teacher at St. Dominic's! So, Mr. Giarrusso, look down on me here in Lafayette in my searching for the God you now enjoy!
My sympathy to the family for your loss. Yet know of his joy!

September 14, 2012

Robin and family, Barbara and I are out of state. We were so very sad to hear about Joe. Joe and I have been mediators at MAPS for many years. He used his great skill to resolve so many disputes. I thought he was the best. We send our condolences. Bob Johnston

September 14, 2012

Robin and family, Barbara and I are out of state. We are so very sad to hear about Joe. Joe an I have been mediators at MAPS for many years. So many have benefited from his wisdom and skill in resolving disputes. I thought he was the best. We send our condolences and want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. Bob Johnston

September 14, 2012

Robin, my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. When i think of Joe, i always think of Felix too. God Bless,
Toni Grisoli Horvat

Kern Reese

September 14, 2012

Joe was such a jovial human being. His heart was warm and loving. He will be truly missed...

September 14, 2012

Will miss you terribly.....lovingly
your 'pretty Joyce'!

September 14, 2012

My heart goes out to all the family...he was like my
son.....will miss him terribly! Rest in peace Joe.
Lovingly,
Aunt Joyce

Shay Jefferson

September 14, 2012

Mrs.Robin,Courtney,and Joseph your husband was a good man and loving father, it was a joy to know Mr.Joe my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

sgk

September 14, 2012

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sue Killam & Julie Parr

Gillian, Mike and Lucy Parrish

September 14, 2012

Judge Giarrusso and Courtney - sharing in your sadness and sending warm thoughts and love at this very difficult time. We are so so sorry for your loss.

Scott Horwitz

September 14, 2012

Joe, My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult period. Sincerest condolences on your loss.

Zandra Chambers

September 14, 2012

My heart and prayers are with each of you. May God's blessing shine upon your family. With the fondest regards

Carol Haynes

September 14, 2012

My deepest sympathy.

Trish Stroup

September 14, 2012

Joe was a great person to work for and with. He was helped me with several problems when he worked at the US Attorney's Office. I will keep your family in my prayers.

September 14, 2012

May God bless you all and continue to comfort you during your time of sorrow.

Therese and State Representative Austin Badon

Dana Martinson

September 14, 2012

Dear Joe, I miss you desperately. You were the older brother I never had. Thank you for sharing your work life with me.

Ted Fenasci

September 14, 2012

Joe was a wonderful friend and colleague. My condolences to his loved ones.

Sandra Vujnovich

September 14, 2012

Judge Robin, Joseph, Cassie and Courtney,
I'm at a loss for words but can only say we were so blessed to have known Joe. We are among the countless number of those who admired, respected and loved him. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Joe and Sandra Vujnovich Lorenzo

Richard McCormack

September 14, 2012

Dear Judge Giarrusso and Family: I am deeply saddened at your loss. I pray that God holds you close and gives you the comfort and peace you deserve.

Brenda Christenberry

September 14, 2012

Dear Robin, Joseph, and Courtney, I just found out about Joe. I am so sorry. He was something else. He will be missed. If you need anything, pleaselet me know.

Cristy Lafaye

September 14, 2012

Dear Judge Giarrusso and Family: I was fortunate enough to work with Joe at McGlinchey for more than 9 years. My condolences to the Family and may the memory of your loving husband and father carry you through this dark and sad time.

Barbara Bossetta

September 14, 2012

Dear Judge and family:

Joe was the kindest, nicest man; New Orleans will miss his spirit. God bless him and your family.

Barbara Bossetta

John Gomila

September 14, 2012

Joe Giarrusso was a long-time role model for many a lawyer in this city. It is with great sadness that we all mourn his passing and send our love and prayers to his family

Mickey deLaup

September 14, 2012

Dear Robin and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to have Joe mediate a difficult case for me recently and, as usual, he did a great job for all parties, with his usual humor and wit.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe and all of you.

Willard Robertson

September 14, 2012

Dear Judge, Courtney and Joe,

My family and I pray that you are consoled by the memory of this truly wonderful man, my childhood friend.

Willard Robertson

September 14, 2012

Joe was an inspiration to me and all who knew him. God bless and comfort his family.
Judy Stewart

September 14, 2012

Joe was always an inspiration to me and I will always miss him.
Sam Schudmak

Cheryl Jones-Moore

September 14, 2012

Dear Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Joe at the Attorney General's office. I knew him to be kind and caring with a great sense of humor.

Judith Wenger

September 14, 2012

Robin, Joe, Courtney, and Cassie:

Sending my condolences to you all on your loss. You have a wonderful family, and I know you will help each other through this terrible time.

Keneth and Nancy Henke

September 14, 2012

Joe was a true inspiration and mentor. The opportunities to visit with Joe were entirely too few and far between. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and thanks for the opportunity to know and work with Joe, a true gentleman in every sense. He will be sorely missed by all.

Mike Champagne

September 14, 2012

Robin, Courtney, Joseph, Catherine, Sofia and Marta -

I have always felt blessed to have crossed paths with certain people in my life, and Joe is at the top of that list with a very few others. His affable nature, willingness to help no matter what the issue at hand, steady guidance and generosity with his calm wisdom have always been invaluable signposts to me. And yet I know that the loss that I may feel cannot begin to compare to what you are experiencing. Please know that you are all in our prayers.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, give to your servant Joseph departed the full remission of his sins, that he may obtain the pardon he has always desired. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

May the angels lead him into Paradise, may the martyrs come to welcome him and take him to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. May the choir of angels welcome him where Lazarus is poor no longer, may he have eternal rest. Amen.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Bruce Cranner

September 14, 2012

Judge, you and your family are in our prayers. Joe was a good and honorable man who was well liked and admired. He will be sadly missed.

September 14, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Pat and Sue Browne

September 14, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Sharrolyn Miles

September 14, 2012

Deepest condolences to you family. May memories of Joe and his infectious smile comfort your family through this difficult time and may God's enduring love comfort and protect you through your time of grief.

September 14, 2012

A truly wonderful individual has left us. He always shared a smile and a kind word; a wonderful mediator, a genuine soul and a great listener. That last one takes talent.

I truly hope and believe that he is in a better place. Condolences and prayers are coming this way to his family.

Ronna Steele
Gretna, Louisiana

Herb Anderson

September 14, 2012

Joe was a good man and I was proud to call him a friend. The Giarrusso family will be in our prayers. We are very sorry for your loss.

September 14, 2012

May the coming of the New Year bring to your family Shalom, Peace.
The Lenters

John Wakeman

September 14, 2012

He was a great friend and a great man.

Micholle Walker Mordock

September 14, 2012

"We see but dimly through the mists and vapors; Amid these earthly damps. What seem to us but sad, funeral tapers, may be Heaven's distant lamps". - Longfellow.

The world has been a brighter and lovelier place for having Joe. His loss here, is Heaven's gain.

Robert, Sonia, Brad and Lauren Bordes

September 14, 2012

Dear Judge Robin and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Scott Minvielle

September 14, 2012

Joe, you were an excellent mediator. You were professional. May God guard your soul as a pupil of an eye, bless and protect it, and your family always.

Bernard Turnoy

September 14, 2012

Dear Robin/Family,
There are truly no words to suffice now; but, there are the memories of the man and his deeds for you to take comfort in in your time of sorrow.
Remember the good times, the joys and accomplishments those of us fortunate enough to have been within the radious of the Joe's influence. Few men make such positive and profound differences in so many peoples lives. We will all miss the warmth and glow of his radiance.
With love, your Yankee-cousin.

Bobby Finkelstein

September 14, 2012

To Robin and the kids,

I wanted to express to all of you my most sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing on Joe.

I know that he was dearly loved by many and will be dearly missed by many as well.

Sincerely,

Chip Herty

September 14, 2012

To Joe's family, my deepest condolences on your loss. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jack Sileo

September 14, 2012

Robin, Joe and Courtney, there are no words. Trust that you are in my family's prayers.

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