Luke L. Guarisco

Luke L. Guarisco, raconteur, gourmand, snazzy dresser and visionary business leader died on April 30, 2015. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, achievement and authenticity. Born October 20, 1931 in Morgan City, La. He was the fourth child and youngest son of Victor Guarisco and Rosalie Grizzaffi. He had a deep and abiding love for his family, friends, and his hometown. Although he eventually left Morgan City to be closer to his children and grandchildren, he never lost the love of the Atchafalaya River and the industries this mighty river gave birth to. He graduated from Morgan City High School in 1950 and immediately enlisted in the Air Force, serving his country during the Korean War. Upon his return to Morgan City in 1954, he went to work for Twenty Grand Marine alongside his father and brother, Peter V., building that company into one of the largest marine service fleets in the world. In 1968, Twenty Grand Inc. merged with Tidewater, the closest direct competitor to the Twenty Grand boat fleet. Deciding to go out on his own rather than working for Tidewater, he launched Oil & Gas Rental Services, Inc., an oilfield supply company based in Amelia, La. Upon his father's death in 1972, he became president of Rio Fuel & Supply, an Exxon branded distribution company located on the banks of the Atchafalaya River. In 1978 he and his partners at Oil & Gas re-entered the boat business, setting the standard for the highest degree of service as well as the most technologically advanced boats on the Gulf Coast. He served on many boards throughout his lifetime, including Oil & Gas Rental Services, Inc., Hellenic, Inc., and Atchafalaya Savings and Loan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Rosalie Guarisco, his siblings, Rosalie Versaggi, Virginia Graf, Peter V. Guarisco, Vicki Kirkpatrick, and grandchild, William Alexander Guarisco. He is survived by his three children, Luke V. Guarisco and his wife, Lisa of Baton Rouge, Victoria A Guarisco, and her husband Tony Boagni of Baton Rouge, and Jonathan L. Guarisco, and his wife Jacqueline of Palmetto Bluff, SC. Also surviving him are his seven grandchildren, Austin L. Guarisco, Connor L. Guarisco, Caitlin G. Guarisco, John Luke Boagni, Matthew M. Boagni, Jackson L. Guarisco and Joseph C. Guarisco. He is also survived by his former spouse and the mother of his children, Honorine R. Abel. The family would like to sincerely thank Nursing Care Connections, especially Sherrylynn Hawkins-Graves, Ora Payne, and Shirleen Racca for their dedication, loving care and support they provided during his last years. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City on Saturday May 23rd to celebrate his life and times. For those desiring, and in lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Luke L. Guarisco may be directed to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area. And as he would like to say, "In other words, don't send any flowers."