Michael Thomas Misuraca

Michael T. Misuraca
Respectfully known as "Mr. Mike". Born January 15, 1939 on a strawberry farm in Hammond, Louisiana. Passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Baton Rouge General on Bluebonnet, at the age of 85.
He attended Natalbany Elementary School and graduated from Independence High School in1957. He obtained a B.S. in Science Education (1961) and a Masters of School Administration and Supervision (1964) from Southeastern Louisiana University.
He played high school football in Independence for 4 years where he received Most Valuable Football Player (1957) and Athletic Scholastic Award (1957) and met the love of his life, Mary Fresina Misuraca, to whom he was married to for 62 years. They built a wonderful life and were blessed with 4 children. He proudly presented his 4 children with their high school diplomas when they graduated from Port Allen High School.
Mr. Mike dedicated his entire 36 year career to West Baton Rouge (WBR) Parish School System. In 1962, he started his first teaching position at Port Allen High School as a Biology and General Science Teacher. He dedicated 29 years to Port Allen High School in various positions including Teacher, (1962-1967), Guidance Counselor (1966-1967), Assistant Principal (1967-1969), and served as Principal for 21 ½ years (1972-1993). Also in West Baton Rouge Parish, he served as principal of Duvall Middle School (1969-1972) and finished his career as Supervisor of Transportation (1993-1998). Mr. Mike is the second longest principal of PAHS to this day. He retired in 1998.
Mr. Mike earned many accolades during his accomplished career including President of WBR Teachers' Association (1969), Chairman of 7-AA Athletic District (1975-1979), LHSAA Executive Committee, (1987-1993) LHSAA Vice President (1991-1992), LHSAA President (1992-1993) and was inducted into the Port Allen High School Hall of Fame (2002). He established the PAHS Football Jamboree (1973) and attended nearly every sporting event, supporting the Mighty Pelicans in multiple ways including driving the Band on the school bus to many away games. Mr. Mike orchestrated and participated in the planting of the Avenue of Live Oak Trees in front of PAHS in 1980, and they still stand beautifully today. Served on committee for the planning and building of the current Port Allen High School and supervised the moving of students, teachers and equipment to the new building on Rosedale Road in March of 1979.
Mr. Mike's civic involvement included being a member of Knights of Columbus (Council 2875), Grandsons of Italy, and American Italian Association of Baton Rouge. He has been a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1965. Mike and Mary faithfully assisted with sponsoring numerous St. Joseph Altars. He is a charter member of the Krew of the Good Friends of the Oaks and was elected Grand Marshall in 2018.
Visitation will be at Wibert Funeral Home in Port Allen on Thursday, November 21st, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church from 8:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Jerry Martin. Burial will follow in Colonial Cemetery in Independence, LA.
Mike is survived by three children and spouses, Victoria and Brett Millet, Vincel and Larry Simpson, and Myra and Scott Black; six grandchildren, Michael "Thomas" Misuraca III, Collin Millet, Morgan James and husband Peter, Madsion Stafford and husband Josh, Julia Black and Joseph "Scotty" Black; one great-grandchild, Mary Michael James; two brothers, Vince Misuraca and Sal Misuraca and wife Lillie. Mike is also survived by his loyal side kick for 43 years, Ray Byrd.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Fresina Misuraca; son, Michael T. Misuraca II; parents, Vick and Evelyn Tinnerello Misuraca; sister-in-law, Anna Mae Misuraca.
Mr. Mike has spent his retirement doing things he loves with the people he loves. His passions include gardening, woodworking, an affection for nature, birds, animals, trees, and flowering plants.
Mr. Mike was a mentor and role model to thousands of students and teachers. He was kind, loving, kind-hearted and empathic. He will be greatly missed. To read the full obit and share memories, visit www.wilbertsesrvices.com.