Erwin J Laviolette Sr.

Erwin James Laviolette Sr., 84, went to be with our Lord on February 17, 2024. Born in New Orleans, he and his beloved wife of 62 years, Merle Nunez Laviolette, were longtime St. Bernard Parish residents before moving to Slidell after Hurricane Katrina. A Greyhound bus driver for more than 20 years, he lead tours around the country and was known for his storytelling and jokes. He loved spending time at the casino and enjoyed watching Saints and LSU sports on TV. He was a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Church in Slidell, was known as Papa by his family and was loved by many. He is survived by his wife, Merle, who he nicknamed “Sammy”; three children, Mary “Beth” Kessel (Bryan), E.J. Laviolette Jr. (Julie), and Todd Laviolette (Angelle); two sisters, Mary Kirkland (the late Henry) and Rita Pitre (Armand); five grandchildren, Ashley Wilson (Dwight), Justin Laviolette (Payton) and Ian, Casey and Chloe Laviolette; and two great- grandchildren, Cannon and Celia Wilson. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Genevieve Melancon and Robert Laviolette Sr.; two brothers, Robert, Jr. (Jeanette) and Raymond (Louise), and a sister, Hazel Dealey (the late Ken).

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 11:00 AM-1:00PM. A funeral mass will begin at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL GARDENS.