Joseph Gritter Jr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph “Joe” Vincent Gritter Jr. announces his passing on Feb. 20, 2022 at the age of 95. A native of New Orleans, Joe was born on May 22, 1926 and resided in St. Bernard Parish for 67 years.

Joe is preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Catherine Howorka Gritter, who passed away on June 17, 2021; his parents, Elizabeth Joachim Gritter and Joseph Vincent Gritter; and his sisters Joyce Merrick and Beverly Huber.

Joe will be sadly missed by his and Catherine’s nine loving children: John Gritter (Virginia), Emily Gritter Christensen (Gordon), Gregory Gritter Sr. (Lorraine), the late Kathleen Gritter Martinez (Joe), Laura Gritter Tamor (Kevin), Mary Jo Gritter James (Warren Sr.), Don Gritter (Regina), Gary Gritter (Glenda), and Joey Gritter (Kim).

Joe will be fondly remembered by their grandchildren: Melissa Modica Hagan (Rick), Darrell Modica, Gregory Gritter Jr. (Gabrielle), Michelle Gritter (Cody), Victoria Gritter (Teddy), Miranda Martinez (Justin), Katherine Tamor Montelius (Jonathan), Mary Beth Tamor Drewes (Dustin), Warren James Jr., Steven James (Amy), Bryan James, Brittany James, Juliana James (Landon), Ashley Gritter Monteleone (Anthony Sr.), Kolby Gritter and Kylie Gritter; step-grandchildren, Joe Martinez Jr. (Tara), Melissa Landry Terluin (James), and the late Rodney Landry; and additional blessings and bonus grandchildren.

Joe also will be missed by their great-grandchildren: Jovonni Mariano Ramella (Tom), Emily Hagan, Sarah Hagan, Blaine Modica, Gregory "Emile" Gritter III, Grace Gritter, Lucas Montelius, Nathan James, Parker James, Isabella Monteleone, Anthony Monteleone Jr., Elliott Monteleone, Leo Monteleone; and step-great-grandchildren: Asia Landry Chiek (Nicholas), Mariah Guerra, Gianni Domino, Jemma Terluin, and additional blessings and bonus great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

A graduate of St. Aloysius High School, Joe served in the U.S. Navy Seabees Mobile Construction Battalion-6 in the 1950s and served overseas in the Korean War. Joe was a longtime employee and retiree of Kaiser Aluminum in Chalmette.He served as VFW Post 3706 Post Quartermaster from 2009 until they disbanded, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Dragons in Kenner. In 2021, Joe was named an Honorary Secretary of State by Louisiana Secretary of State R. Kyle Ardoin, and was honored each year for his military service by St. Bernard Parish Government at its Veterans Day ceremonies.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Joe and Catherine were members of St. Louise de Marillac Church in Arabi. After the storm, they gave thanks for their many blessings during masses at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Chalmette. Joe could often be spotted swirling Catherine around the dance floor in perfect unison at places like the Jefferson Orleans North in Metairie, Lacy’s Cue Sports Bar in Chalmette and at local festivals and family weddings.

Family and friends are invited to honor Joe’s memory on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 for visitation from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, Louisiana. A funeral service will begin at noon with Father Angel officiating. Following the service, Joe will be laid to rest with Military Honors in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, New Orleans, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, Masses are preferred.