Gary Charles Mooney

God gained a good one on January 25, 2024 when Gary Charles Mooney Sr. passed at the age of 63. He was born on February 8, 1960 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Charles Lee Mooney and Beverly Blanchard Mooney.

He is preceded in death by his father; his uncle, John L. Mooney; and his sister-in-law, Lena J. Mooney. Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Suzanne Quinlan Mooney; his brother, Greg M. Mooney and wife Lisa; his brothers, Mark E. Mooney and Brad M. Mooney; his children, Nicole, Charlie, Patrick and Beth; his grandchildren, Nya and Steven; his nephews, Michael and John; his nieces, Kimberley and Jordyn; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.

Gary graduated from Broadmoor High School in Baton Rouge, gained an Associate’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Bachelor of Science from the University of New York and a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center.

Gary was a decorated war veteran with over 30 years of service in the United States Army and Navy. He attained the rank of Major in the Army and he received numerous commendations throughout his career including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. In the Louisiana Army National Guard, he served as Staff Judge Advocate (General Counsel) to Adjutant General Bennett C. Landreneau and as Inspector General.

Gary served two tours of active duty: one in Afghanistan in 2002 as part of the post 09/11 Global War on Terror campaign and in 2008 for the Iraq Campaign. In Afghanistan, he performed mine clearing operations as a sapper of Task Force Dragon’s Multinational Mine Clearance Group at Bagram Air Base and he received a certificate recognizing exceptionally meritorious service by the multinational leadership. Additionally, he received a Certificate of Recognition from Major General Leif Simonsen, Commander Tactical Air Command Denmark, for his assistance in recovering a Danish F-16 from the minefield at Bagram in December 2002. In Iraq, he worked as an intelligence officer using vital intelligence information to provide maps of safe supply routes to his fellow soldiers.

After being honorably discharged from military service, Gary worked as an attorney-at-law and as the lead safety supervisor for numerous industrial projects. He was a devout Catholic and one of his proudest accomplishments was becoming an ordained Deacon in June of 2017. He was assigned to St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Baton Rouge where he performed the role of Deacon Assistant. He presided over funerals and weddings and he was one of the part-time deacon chaplains at Dixon Correction Facility in Jackson, Louisiana.

Gary was a polyglot having knowledge of French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Latin due to his diaconal studies. He also loved films with his favorite genres being comedy and horror.

Gary was a man who accomplished much in his 63 years but he will be remembered most as being a humble, helpful, selfless, easy going, loving and caring man. He was a loving son to his parents, a loving and supportive spouse, a dedicated and loving father, grandfather and uncle, a compassionate and caring brother and friend to anyone who he met. He had many names and titles: Major Mooney, Attorney, Deacon, Dad, Brother, Husband, Son, Papi, Gaddy and Poncho. No matter what capacity one encountered him, all were touched by his compassion and willingness to assist under any circumstances. His spirit will live on by our following his example of how to live a meaningful cherished life.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful doctors and nursing staff at the VA Southeast Louisiana Hospital in New Orleans for their excellent care and compassion.

A visitation will be held from 5 PM -8 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans and continue at 11 AM on Friday, February 2, 2024 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge with the words of remembrance beginning at 12:30 PM.

The Funeral Service will be celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca at 1 PM on Friday, February 2, 2024 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge followed by a military burial at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans.

A Celebration of Gary’s life will take place at Causeway Bar and Grill in Metairie from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM on Friday, February 2, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.