Joseph Michelli

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith, now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.� 2 Timothy 4:7. Joseph “Joe� Michelli, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, left this world to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, April 2, 2010. Affectionately called “G.J.� by his close family and friends, he touched the lives of all who knew him and many whose paths he crossed. Always known as a fighter, Joe began his journey on Jan. 21, 1941, in New Orleans where he was born a “blue baby.� Later he contracted childhood polio and after more than a year-long battle was cured. In 1994, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and fought to the end. He defied all odds for many years and went peacefully home, with his family by his side, when our Lord called his name. He was a fighter and will always be a hero in the eyes of his family and close friends. Following his graduation from Redemptorist High School, Joe enlisted and served in the U.S. Army. Following his tour of duty, Joe met and married the love of his life and soul mate, Billie Venure Smith (Michelli). Their 50 year marriage, from which four children were born, was a match made in heaven. It was often commented that one was not seen without the other, they were inseparable. He and Billie owned and operated Joe’s Used Car Sales until his retirement in 2000. Of his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many things including hunting and fishing with his family, vacationing in Florida, and many trips with Billie and friends to Las Vegas. And his spirit for living life to the fullest will be what we will remember most. Family and friends are invited to share in our sorrow and celebration of life, Monday, April 5, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a recitation of the rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Funeral service at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. Michael J. Moroney. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. All are invited to join the family for a memorial gathering at Stone Farms, 16741 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs, immediately following interment. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Elizabeth Wills Michelli; father, Jasper D. Michelli; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Isaac and Sarah Smith. He is survived by his wife, Billie; four children, Darryl Michelli and wife Kellie, Tina Marie Stone and husband Randy, Dana Guillory and husband Ricky, and Marcus Michelli and wife Stephanie; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Ochsner Hospital and staff, Dr. Boyd Helm and Glenn Moreau. Personal condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.