Harold Comeaux Sr.

1922 - 2011

Harold James André Comeaux, Sr. passed away peacefully at home on Friday afternoon, January 07, 2011. His wife of 53 years, Adele Pavy Comeaux was at his side in prayer. He was 88 years old.

Harold's survivors include Adele, their four daughters, Betsy Comeaux Richard and her husband Carl; Mary Grace Comeaux Crisanti and her husband, John; Michelle Comeaux Hernandez; Angelle Comeaux Lege and her husband, Terry; two sons, Harold James André Comeaux, Jr., his wife Angie; Albert Pavy Comeaux, his wife Katie; and seventeen grandchildren, Kayla, Molly, and Burton Richard, Claire and Camille Comeaux, Geoffrey, Suzanne, James and Joseph Crisanti, Charlotte and Courtney Comeaux, Christina, Eric and Alex Hernandez, Emile, Andrew and John Michael Lege. Harold was preceded in death by his parents André Pierre Comeaux and Emma Blanchard Comeaux, his brother A.P. "Boze" Comeaux, and life-long family friend, Elizabeth Shelvin.

Harold was born in Abbeville, LA on August 19, 1922 and grew up on Main Street in Lafayette in the shadow of St. John's Cathedral. He was a 1939 graduate of Cathedral High School, earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now University of Louisiana) and earned a Master of Science in Zoology from LSU. Harold worked 43 years for Wyeth Laboratories (now Pfizer) and was recognized by Wyeth as the company's top salesman nationally, for 24 of those years. He was a legend among his colleagues and competitors when he retired in 1991. Harold was instrumental in establishing and directing the Oral Polio Program in the Acadiana area in 1961. And he coordinated a collection of his company's antivenin supply for use in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes after Hurricane Audrey in 1957.

Harold Comeaux was a dedicated servant to his church and was a parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima since 1964. He served on the CCD Board of St. John Cathedral Parish. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima School Board and Chairman of the Stewardship Committee of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. He served as Retreat Captain at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau for many years and was a member of the Board of Directors there. He was past president of the Third Order of Carmel, Discalced, and a member and past president of the Carmelite Guild. He was a minister of Holy Communion at Fatima Parish for many years. In his retirement, Harold ministered to the homebound and he volunteered at St. Joseph Shelter for homeless men. He was recognized at the Bishops Annual Ball for a lifetime of service to his church. He was presented the Martin Luther King award by Fatima Parish.

Harold was a member and past President of the Lafayette Serra Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a former member of the Kiwanis Club and a charter member of Oakbourne Country Club. He was a proud Ragin Cajun fan, who was a season ticket holder for over forty years.

Harold enlisted in the United States Army at the outbreak of World War II and was assigned to the Medical Service Corps. He served again in the Korean War as an officer and earned an honorable discharge at the end of that conflict.

The family offers special thanks to Anthony Smith and Jovita Darbonne for their dedicated service. He thought of you both as family. The family wishes to thank the sitters and staff of Senior Helpers, Inc., the doctors, nurses and staff at Lafayette General Medical Center, and the Carmelite Sisters for all of their special prayers during his life.

Visitation will be observed on Monday, January 10, 2011 at Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Lafayette location from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, including a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 pm. Visitation will also be observed on Tuesday from 8:00 am until time of service. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church at a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. Reverend Michael Russo, Pastor, will be the Celebrant.

Lectors will be Betsy Richard, Mary Crisanti, Michelle Hernandez and Angelle Lege. Eulogists will be André and Al Comeaux. Pallbearers will be Carl Richard, John Crisanti, Terry Lege, Ron Hernandez, Burton Richard, and Geoffrey Crisanti. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Robert Pavy, Dr. Donald Pavy, and Octave Pavy.

Harold will be buried with his parents and his brother in the St. John Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Comeaux's name to the Carmelite Monastery, 1250 Carmel Dr., Lafayette, LA 70501.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311