Anthony L. Golemi Sr.

Anthony Leon Golemi, Sr. passed away on Thanksgiving night, November 24th, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years of age. He was born in New Orleans to his immigrant parents from Sicily, Italy. Son of the late Leon and Salvatrese Golemi. He resided in Metairie and Kenner for many years. He was the loving husband of 65 years to the late Margaret Favaloro Golemi.

Loving father of Anthony L. Golemi, Jr. (Patricia), Judy Golemi Spadafora (Ray), and Susan Golemi Surcouf (Billy). Devoted grandfather of Laura Spadafora Rahman (Sami), Michael Golemi (Alexandria), Jennifer Golemi Oliveira (Eliel), Cheryl Surcouf Pelle (Ryan), Todd Golemi (Meredith), Jeffrey Surcouf (Nicole), and Elizabeth Spadafora Kupar (Kenny). He was great grandfather to thirteen and one step great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his sister Lena Klein, brothers Frank and Joseph Golemi, grandson Stephen Spadafora and great grandson Nicholas Golemi.

Mr. Golemi was a graduate of Warren Easton High School in New Orleans. He was an ambitious, generous, and dedicated man with many accomplishments throughout his life. He began working in his family’s grocery store before he could see over the counter. He was a machinist with American Cyanamid before beginning his career in Real Estate and home building. In 1968 Mr. Golemi became founder and president of Anthony L. Golemi Contractors, Inc. Throughout his career along with his son Tony, daughter Sue and family members, he has constructed over 400 custom built homes and numerous commercial buildings, including the “office” bearing his name.

In 1974 and in 1976 he received the Honor Builder Award and was National Director 1977-1981. In 1981 he was elected President of the HBA- Greater New Orleans. As president of the Home Builders Association, the HBA new building was constructed. He served as chairman for four years of the Home & Garden Show. He worked side by side with his wife in their real estate firm. He built several of the buildings and rectory for St. Ann School and Church. In addition, he was on the first ACHS Parent Club board spearheading the purchase of the property in front of Archbishop Chapelle High School giving access to the school from Veterans Highway. He also organized the first Father-Daughter functions at the school. In 1987 he was the President of the Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans. He was also Grand Marshall of the Louisiana Irish-Italian Organization.

He served in the army –WWII from 1943-1946. Mr. Golemi was a Eucharistic Minister and received the Order of St. Louis Award for St. Ann Church and presently served on the building committee, for Divine Mercy Parish.

The family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers, Angel Calhoun, Yolanda Torres, and Viola Johnson, among others, for their continued support.

Mr. Golemi lived his life to the fullest and left behind a blessed legacy. He was a great giving soul, an inspiration to so many. He will be truly missed but live on forever with what he has taught to so many of us. Friends are invited to attend the visitation at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd. near Clearview Pkwy. on Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm then at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 3601 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 9:30 am with the Funeral Mass beginning at 12:00 pm. Interment in Lake Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.