Vincent Saia, Sr.

Vincent Saia, Sr. passed away at 9:40 a.m., Monday, December 7, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.He was born in Houma, Louisiana on January 23, 1921, after he returned from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and he moved to New Orleans and opened the New Orleans location of the family business, Saia Motor Freight Line. On February 16, 1942, he registered with the U.S. Marine Corps and served during WWII in the Pacific defending our country in the Battle of Guadalcanal, Bougainville Campaign, and Guam. He suffered injuries and subsequently was awarded the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged on October 16, 1945. After returning from the service, he and his brothers continued to expand Saia Motor Freight Lines, opening terminals throughout Louisiana and the Sunbelt States. Mr. Saia was a member of the American Trucking Association and the Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA). He served as President of the LMTA and also served as the Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the association. He negotiated with lawmakers to pass legislation to benefit the trucking industry. Mr. Saia was passionate about his family, Saia Motor Freight, football, and his love for Grand Isle, where he was an avid fisherman and gained many lifetime friends. He established The Vincent Saia Foundation to help the needy and underprivileged in the New Orleans region. He is survived by his wife, Mae Whitney Saia, of 66 years; daughters Catherine M. Saia, Susan M. Saia; son, Vincent P. Saia, Jr.; grand-daughters, Christy S. Owenby, Nicole A. Lagasse, Brittany R. Price; grandsons, Michael D. Lagasse, Joshua T. Romig; and great-grandchildren, Chandler S. Owenby, Riley E. Lagasse and Benjamin S. Owenby; and sister, Rita S. Ayers. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christine Saia; his parents, Christine Fazzio Saia and Louis Saia; his sister, Christine S. Jones; and brothers, John L. Saia and Louis P. Saia, Jr. Mrs. Vincent Saia and family want to give thanks to Mr. Vincent Saia's loving caregivers, Rose Solomon, Geraldine Sims, Celestina Minor and Sheila Heard. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in the name of Vincent Saia, Sr. to Servants of Mary (Ministers of the Sick) 5001 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, Lantern Light, Inc., 1802 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 or to the charity of your choice. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass which will be held Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12:00 noon at St. Rita Catholic Church, 7100 Jefferson Highway, Harahan, LA 70123. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will be private. Arrangements by Jacob Schoen & Son. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoenfh.com.