Louis P. Saia Jr.

SAIA Louis P. Saia, Jr., age 79, passed away Friday, February 8, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. at home. Although born in Houma, LA, he lived for 30 years in New Orleans, LA before returning to Houma in 1985. He was preceded in death by his parents: Louis and Christine Fazzio Saia who were born in Cefalu, Italy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann Maucele Saia of Houma, LA; his sons: Louis P. Saia III and wife, Cindy of Jackson, Tennessee and Lyndon J. Saia of Houma, LA; his daughters: Lisa Ann Saia of New Orleans, LA and Leeann S. Branton and husband, David of Metairie, LA. Mr. Saia is also survived by his brothers: Vincent Saia of Harahan, LA and John Saia of Houma, LA; and his sisters: Rita Saia Ayers and Christine Saia Jones both of Houma, LA. Mr. Saia was blessed with fifteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, they are: Ciana S. McGinnis, Louis Saia IV, Michael Saia, Joseph Saia, John Paul Saia, Samuel Saia, Anthony Lama, Nick Lama, Kate Saia Chetta, Sam Lama, Elizabeth Branton, Abigail Branton, James Branton, Stephen Saia and John Michael Saia; and his great-grandchildren: Luciana and Jonny McGinnis. When Mr. Saia's brothers, Vincent and John, returned after WWII, he opened the Saia freight terminal in Lafayette, LA, the largest outside of New Orleans. He was 17 at the time. After his service with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, Mr. Saia and his brothers continued to expand Saia Motor Freight, opening terminals in more cities throughout Louisiana and adjacent states, building the company into a major freight line in the southeast in the 1980's. He was a member of the American Trucking Association for many years. Upon his return to Houma in 1985, Mr. Saia convinced his brothers to move the company's general office to Houma. This move not only helped the local economy which was suffering with an economic downturn, but it also grew the local terminal from 40 employees to 350 in a short time. Mr. Saia was passionate about his family, his church, and Saia Motor Freight. He was devoted to his family, gave generously to St. Francis Church in Houma and to other charitable causes and showed great concern for his employees. He established a foundation to help needy children. Mrs. Louis Saia and family want to give THANKS to Mr. Louis Saia Caretaker, John Champagne, Boyhood friend and in sickness "chauffeur", also want to thank his loving care takers, Jesse Rivere, Juanita Prejean, Diane Rivere, WillieAnn Marcel, Gloria Barker and Bayou Regions Hospice. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m on Monday, February 11, 2008 at St. Francis Co-Cathedral with Mass following immediately. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery No. 2. Pallbearers are: James Branton, Anthony Lama, Nick Lama, Sam Lama, Stephen Saia, John Michael Saia and Louis Saia IV. Honorary pallbearers are: Earl Wiliams, Sr., John Champagne, John Breaux, August Gallo, John McGinnis, Nick Chetta, Vincent Saia, Jr. and Greg Jones. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the name of Louis P. Saia, Jr. to St. Francis Co-Cathedral, 500 Goode Street, Houma, LA 70360 or St. Jude Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, or the Louis Infant Center, 3513 Bayou Black Drive, Houma, LA 70360, or any other needy charity. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Chauvin Fuenral Home, 5899 Hwy. 311, Houma, LA 70360.