John "Junior" Morreale

Junior was a native New Orleanian, born and raised in Uptown New Orleans. He had a great wit, dry sense of humor about him and was well liked by many. He portrayed a toughness on the outside but was soft hearted on the inside to those he loved. He was dearly loved by his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John F. Morreale, Jr. and his family were the founders and owners of the famous local neighborhood restaurant Frankie & Johnny’s since 1942. For many years, Junior worked as a Clerk on the Riverfront in the Clerk and Checkers Union. In 1976, he began working as the Chief Clerk in Orleans Parish Municipal Court Division “A” until his retirement. Once retired, he and his beloved wife, Ann Beck enjoyed their time at their summer home in Diamondhead, Mississippi.

Junior graduated from De La Salle High School and was part of the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame. He was a major part of the De La Salle baseball community and a member of the 1958 and 1959 state championship teams. While at De La Salle High School, he was a 4-year letterman for both football and baseball. After high school, Junior went on to play baseball in the Boston Red Sox Organization for several years. After his high school, collegiate and professional baseball career ended, he continued to play the sport he loved by playing on the famous powerhouse Frankie & Johnny’s men’s over hand pitch softball team in the Commercial Athletic Association (CAA) league.

Junior had a wealth of knowledge when it came to the sport of baseball; it was his passion until his death. Junior was a generous guy with his baseball knowledge; he coached many NORD teams and helped many boys in the New Orleans area develop their skill of baseball. When he was not on the baseball field, Junior was at the New Orleans Fairgrounds watching his horses race. He owned several racehorses.

Over the years in his earlier life, Junior was a large part of the political scene across New Orleans. He helped many people in their election bid to public office by his notoriety. He was well connected in the political scene of New Orleans politics. He was elected as the Parish Committeeman representing the 14th Ward for many years.

Junior is preceded in death by his father the late John Frank Morreale, Sr. and his mother, the late Audrey Adolph Morreale. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, his wife of 61 years, Ann Beck. They had three children Dionne Morreale Parker (Johnny), Tina Morreale Raymond (Warren) and John F. Morreale, III (Karla). Junior and his wife Ann also raised Julio “Rocky” Kennum as their own.

Junior leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Lyndsey Parker Berngard (Brian), Kristen and Jonathan Parker, Kelsey Owens, Ashley Morreale and John F. Morreale IV. He also leaves behind 2 great grandchildren, Ty Theriot and Harper Ann Berngard.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass to be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until Mass. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted but if you prefer, a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society and/or St. Jude Children’s Research.

The family invites you to express your fond thoughts and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.