Joseph Frederick Silbernagel

Joseph Frederick Silbernagel, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, at the age of 95. He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, born on March 4, 1929, to the late Louis Jacob Silbernagel and Caroline Donnow Silbernagel.
Joseph is the adored father of Joseph Silbernagel (Celeste), Sandra Hughes (Tommy), Geri Ann Weaver (Joe), Dennis Silbernagel (Kathy), Dawn Taylor (Bruce), and Mary Hankosky (Scott), and proud grandfather of Joey Silbernagel (Kristy), Amy Silbernagel Hilsher (Darwyn), Katie Silbernagel Varino (Joey), Tommy Hughes IV (Lori), Lisa Hughes Lapeze (Jason), Tiffany Weaver Brauner (Kris), Dennis Silbernagel Jr., Dustin Silbernagel, Kayla Silbernagel LeBlanc (Dylan), Zachary Taylor, Alex Taylor, Anna Hankosky, Elizabeth Hankosky, and the late Joseph Samuel Weaver II. Joseph leaves behind, to cherish his memory, 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Gail Gervais Schiel; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom he loved greatly.
Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine "Gerry" Gervais Silbernagel; brother, Louis Leonard Silbernagel; sister, Brenda Silbernagel Hingle; his mother-in-law, Josephine Dennis Gervais; father-in-law, Eldridge J. Gervais; sister-in-law, Lee C. Silbernagel; and brothers-in-law, Robert Hingle and Melvin Schiel.
Joseph eloped and married the love of his life, Gerry, the girl next door, 72 years ago on January 29, 1952. After his time in the United States Army, they returned home to New Orleans where they raised their family and moved to Slidell in 1983. Together, they created many beautiful memories that will be forever cherished. Many of these memories include their love for music and dancing. We are sure they are dancing together at the Pearly Gates.
Joseph was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Slidell. He held his faith and his family close to his heart, always putting others before himself. Joseph proudly served in the United States Navy and Army, fighting in World War II and the Korean War. He bravely served as a New Orleans Fireman for 25 years and belonged to the VFW. Joseph had a talent for carpentry and repairs. He was formerly employed with Boeing as a carpenter and Martin Marietta as a millwright. In addition, while working with the Fire Department, he had his own roofing business. Later on, he had a small engine repair shop, all to support his family.
He was an avid fisherman and shrimper, and he loved squirrel and rabbit hunting. Joseph loved nothing more than time spent with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, January 6, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church located at 400 Westchester Place in Slidell, LA. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Joseph will be laid to rest aside his late wife, Gerry, in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project are appreciated. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com