Jerome Michael Grilletta

1958 - 2023

Jerome Michael Grilletta, 65, of Covington, Louisiana passed away unexpectedly on the morning of November 11, 2023 while riding his bicycle. Jerome was born August 21, 1958, in New Orleans, Louisiana to August Sebastian and Marie Marguerite Foret Grilletta. Growing up in Algiers, he attended grammar school at St. Julian Eymard then went on to graduate from O. Perry Walker High School in 1976. After attending Louisiana Tech in Ruston for two years studying forestry, Jerome transferred to Delgado Community College in New Orleans, where he received an Associates Degree with Honors in Carpentry in 1980. He went on to have a long and successful 40 year career as a Master Craftsman independently and for many well-known architectural millwork facilities in the New Orleans area. His talent contributed to the restoration work of numerous historical landmarks throughout Louisiana, including the Governor's Mansion, the left Pontalba Building, Le Petit Theater and the St. Joseph Abbey. During the last decade of his life, he worked with his niece, Leah Edmonds and her husband Tom Edmonds, owners of The Woodwright Shop in Covington. His presence, character and antics will be dearly missed by his coworkers/shop family (Jarod, Andrew, Cam, Stan, John and Adam,), his neighbors at Covington Oaks mobile home park, as well as the many customers he engaged with. In addition to being 'one with wood', Jerome was a voracious reader, crossword puzzler, everyday philosopher, and music enthusiast. He was a spontaneous and jovial soul, and it was not uncommon for him to jump on stage, harmonica in hand, to join the band. Jerome never met a stranger who didn't become a friend. Jerome is survived by his five siblings, Sonia Yeager and her husband Ellis, Philip Grilletta and his wife Sue-Su, James Grilletta and his wife Syble, Lori Molinary and her husband Guy, and Julie Naughton and her husband Richard, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation with a prayer service will be held on December 9, 2023, at 11:30 am at Serenity Funeral Home, 20419 LA-36, Covington, LA. In honor of Jerome, donations can be made to Friends of The Library of West St. Tammany Parish, at www.sttammanylibrary.foundation/donate.