Joseph Anthony DiFranco

Joseph Anthony DiFranco, 77, of Meraux, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from a cardiac arrest he suffered on the morning of Christmas Eve, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis St. Angelo DiFranco, daughter Erica DiFranco Coe, son-in-law Eddie Coe, grandson Logan Walker Coe, brother August Anthony DiFranco, sisters-in-law Patricia LeBlanc DiFranco and Anna St. Angelo Martinez, many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Joseph was preceded in death by his mother Camille Livaccari DiFranco, his father Anthony August DiFranco and sister Lucille DiFranco Villemarette.

Born in New Orleans, his family relocated to Arabi when Joe was a teenager. There he graduated from Chalmette High School where he played trumpet in the band and formed friendships that have lasted for a lifetime. After graduation he became proprietor of Pep’s Hardware in Poydras, founded by his godfather Emmanuel Livaccari. Soon after he met his wife Phyllis on a blind date. They were married less than a year later and were inseparable for the next 53 years. He worked for a brief time at the Fairmont Hotel until he found his niche as a sales representative in roofing materials until his retirement. In his younger years, he loved fishing and weekly poker nights with family and friends. Weekend getaways and trying new restaurants with close friends were also among his favorite activities. The quest to find the perfect roast beef po-boy became part of his routine. For many years his devotion and attention were directed solely on his only daughter until he experienced the joy of meeting his only grandson. A true Italian grandfather, he loved to “feed Logan’s wallet” when he thought no one was looking. He loved to joke and pull pranks and will be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. Joseph will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have known him.

Funeral Services will be held at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West, Slidell LA 70460, on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Visitation will begin at 9:00am, followed by the funeral mass at 11:00am.

Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.