Vivian Joseph Gianelloni , III

August 14, 1942 – May 25, 2022

Vivian Joseph Dominic Gianelloni III (Jay, VJ, Mr. Jay, or “Dad”) passed away peacefully at the age of 79, on 25 May 2022 at his home in Bourg LA after many years with Alzheimer’s disease.

He is survived by: his wife of over 56 years, Joanne of Bourg LA; 6 children Matthew (and Ala) of Columbia SC, Charlotte of Crawfordsville IN, Mark (and Sarah) of Greer SC, Luke (and Mary) of Niceville FL, Jeanette “GiGi” (and Joe) of Brookfield NH, and Paulette of Bourg LA; 34 Grandchildren; 18 Great-Grandchildren; siblings James “Buzzy” of Metairie LA, Julie of Houston TX, Douglas of Carencro LA, Victor of Saint Augustine FL; and hundreds of cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

He is preceded in death by his parents VJ Gianelloni Jr and Jeanette Singleton, and his sister Marcia “Muffet” Gianelloni.

Jay was born at Fort Knox, Kentucky on August 14, 1942. He spent most of his childhood years in Baton Rouge in a postWWII America, learning a lot about farming and agriculture, raising sheep and cattle, and winning dozens of 4H awards for his livestock. Jay attended Saint Agnes and then Catholic High, where he played football and ran track. He then received a Congressional Appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Jay was very proud of his time at Kings Point where he spent a year at sea before he was 20 years old, and earned an Engineering degree with the Class of 1964. He experienced the diversity of the world at this young age, including dancing with African tribes, being “tree’ed” by a white rhinoceros, and charged by a bull elephant! Kings Point undoubtedly shaped his perspective on the complexity of the world, and helped him form a deep interest in geo- politics…and he was never shy to debate politics or religion with anyone who wished to “enter the ring” with him. Family dinners were always filled with what he termed “stimulating conversation.”

Logical argument came naturally to Jay, so after Kings Point, he obtained his Juris Doctorate from Loyola School of Law in 1970. By age 30 he was both an Engineer and Attorney. He was also a member of the Coast Guard Reserve, achieving the rank of Commander before retirement. His wide-ranging skills and interests were given in service to a variety of careers: High School Teacher, Football/Track/Wrestling Coach, LA Congressional Staff, Director of LA Marine and Petroleum Institute, Marine Vocational Trainer and Consultant, Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Coast Guard. His life included a total of 11 years and 4 months “at sea!”

While in Law School, Jay met his wife, Joanne (Barker), and they married on April 2nd, 1966 at Holy Name of Jesus in New Orleans. Six children were born by 1978. Jay always said he wanted 13 children. With only six, he was blessed (so far) with 34 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He used to brag that he “did his part” to keep America’s birth rate up above 2.1.

His philosophy as a father was one of an old-school football coach: toughness and discipline built on love and sacrifice for the team. A wooden paddle for spankings loomed on the bookshelf, in full view of the children 24/7/365. The paddle had holes drilled in it, just to make people ask “Why?” Jay’s answer: “The holes make it swing faster!” He used it sparingly, and never in anger. Like a nuclear weapon, he believed just the threat of the paddle was enough to deter most mischief. The threat’s effectiveness varied from child to child. Sometimes, the bluff was called…and all were reminded it wasn’t a bluff! Jay was a firm believer in “Peace through Strength,” both abroad and at home.

Jay was deeply principled, unshakable in his beliefs. His opinions were firmly rooted in a comprehensive study of history, logic, facts, reason, and philosophy, including his deeply held his religious beliefs. To many people, Jay was a stoic man of very few words. However, those closest to him know he was truly NOT a man of few words. He could speak for hours without interruption providing “irrefutable supporting evidence” on any position he took on topics he considered important. Jay joked: “I thought I was wrong once…but I was mistaken.”

Jay liked: brainteasers and problem-solving; engines and oil; ships and the sea; farms and agriculture; law and logic; Roger Whitaker music and road trip singing; and praying the rosary with Joanne and the kids.

Jay LOVED: his family, Saint Dominic, Saint Jude, Saint Joseph, our Blessed Mother, and our Lord God above all.

Visitation will be at Samart Funeral Home, 4511 West Park Ave, Gray, LA from 3-6 PM on June 6th for those who wish to pay their respect and share memories.

A solemn Traditional Latin Mass will be offered at Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Gibson LA the following morning, June 7th, at approximately 10 AM. Interment will follow at Saint Anne’s Cemetery in Bourg. Silence is strictly observed during this Requiem Mass. All are welcome, but it is a very small chapel, so the family completely understands those who choose to only attend the Visitation and not the Mass.

In lieu of flowers (which Jay would never want!) the family’s first preference is donations directly to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, PO Box 587, Gibson, LA 70356. Alternatively, you may make a donation to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory by checking the box “Dedicate My Donation” at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude