Joseph Maisano, a beloved husband, father, and native of New Orleans, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on March 19, 1940, to Vincenza Lovecchio and George Maisano, who immigrated to New Orleans from Sicily in the 1920s. Joe was raised in the heart of New Orleans. Joe and his three older sisters– Mary (LaRose), Lillian and Johanna (Garcia), like many new immigrants, lived above their family’s grocery store and corner bar on Saratoga Street until they moved uptown to Robert Street.
Joe attended Our Lady of Lourdes - Grammar School and De La Salle High School. He attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, studying geology for 2 years, then applied to Loyola Dental School at the suggestion of his brother-in-law, Skippy Garcia. He was surprised to be accepted (having taken no pre-dental classes) and graduated with a DDS degree 4 years later in 1963. That same year, Joe married his college sweetheart, Gloria. They lived happily together for 60 years until her death in February, 2023. Together, they shared a bond built on enduring love and endless cherished memories.
Joe embraced the vibrant culture and spirit of his hometown throughout his entire life. Joe lived in the New Orleans area except for two years while at LSU and two years while he served in the Air Force stationed in Orlando, Florida. For more than 50 years, Joe ran a dental practice on David Drive in Metairie.
Joe and Gloria raised their kids and lived in River Ridge for nearly 60 years when they moved to Christwood Retirement Community in Covington. Joe is survived by his four children (Page, Nancy, Bo and Billy), his sister Johanna Maisano Garcia, his seven grandchildren (Ken Morris, Hannah Morris, Connor Gemmolva, Lauren Maisano, Nicole Maisano, Lucia de Rosier Kaye Maisano and Will Maisano) and three great-grandchildren (Oliver Morris, August Morris and Harvey Morris).
A natural entertainer, Joe loved nothing more than gathering friends and family together to celebrate life's milestones and special occasions, even inventing special events to celebrate. His radiant smile and laughter were contagious, and he had a knack for turning any gathering into a memorable extravaganza. Above all else, he taught his children to have an insatiable passion for food, a trait deeply ingrained in his New Orleans and Sicilian roots. He delighted in the rich flavors of New Orleans/Creole cuisine and the food of his Sicilian upbringing. He loved to create dishes that were nothing short of legendary. Whether he was whipping up a batch of gumbo or perfecting his famous jambalaya, Joe found pure joy in sharing his love for food with family and friends.
In addition to his culinary adventures, Joe had a wide array of hobbies that brought him great pleasure throughout his life. He had an ear for music, spending countless hours listening to his extensive collection of records and CDs. His love for music has been passed onto his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also developed a love for woodworking which was evident in the beautiful creations he crafted. Every Wednesday (and towards retirement, Fridays too), Joe took off work to play tennis or go fishing. For many years he stayed active through travel, tennis, golf, fishing and going on long walks on the levee with Gloria. He always found solace and serenity in the sound of falling rain.
Joe will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy of laughter and living life to the fullest will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to have known him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that you spend time with your family and friends and enjoy a meal in honor of Joe's memory.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held at Audubon Tea Room on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 12:00 to 3:00 where friends and family will come together to pay tribute to the memories of both Joe and to Gloria.
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