John Joseph Vaccarella Sr.

1936 - 2021

John Joseph Vaccarella, Sr. was 84-years young and was called to Our Lord and Savior on Friday, March 19, 2021, while at his home in Walker, Louisiana. Former resident of St. Bernard Parish until Hurricane Katrina. John was very charismatic, charitable and fun loving. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He is survived by his daughter Belynda Vaccarella (Bernie) Deschamp of Denham Springs, LA, his three sons; John Joseph (Miranda) Vaccarella, Jr. of Arabi, LA, Frank Joseph (Mary Ann) Vaccarella of Poplarville, MS, and Rockey Joseph (Carolyn) Vaccarella, Sr., of Arabi, LA and his grandchildren: Destinee & Garrett (Alix) Deschamp, Lisa Marie (Bobby) Mire, Giovanni and Dominick Vaccarella, Frank "Nino" Vaccarella, Marco Vaccarella and Luke Anthony Vaccarella, along with nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank Joseph and Bella "Bena" (Mangano) Vaccarella, his grandsons Rockey Joseph Vaccarella, Jr. & Dimitri Vincent Vaccarella and former wife Betty Osbourn Vaccarella. His only brother, Morris Vaccarella, Sr. John was raised in the "Irish Channel" of New Orleans near the corner of Soraparu and Chippewa Streets. He attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School and Redemptorist High School. At the early age of 12-years-old he learned a strong work ethic with his own paper route delivering the Times Picayune newspaper. Shortly after high school he married Betty and joined the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer where he attended Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. He served three years Active Duty and was then Honorably Discharged and transferred to Inactive Duty. He began a career in sales until he started Vaccarella Construction in St. Bernard Parish. He was very proud to have helped many young couples to become first-time homeowners. John contributed generously to children's charities and Military Veteran groups. In lieu of flowers the family ask for charitable donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Greenwood Funeral Home at 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA from 9:30am to 12:00pm, with a Chapel Service at 12:00pm followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery with military honors conducted by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, mask are required. On line guestbook at www.greenwoodfh.com.