Vincent W. "Bill" Peperone

Vincent W. “Bill” Peperone passed away on December 5, 2021, at the age of 75. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in March and died peacefully early Sunday morning with his loving wife and daughter by his side.

Bill was a baby boomer. He was born August 30, 1946 and often “enjoyed” Louisiana hurricanes on his birthday. He was the eldest child of first-generation Sicilian-Americans. He grew up in Old Harvey surrounded by family. His mother and three of her sisters married four brothers, their many watchful eyes leaving no room for mischief. As a child, he sacrificed playing baseball and participating in other childhood activities to help make the famous sausage in his parents' business-Peperone’s Meat Market on 4th Street in Harvey. He took two buses and a ferry to St. Aloysius High School, yet continued to help his parents in the market after school. This helped shape the character of a strong, dependable, yet quiet man.

Bill earned a BS Degree in Industrial Technology from Louisiana State University, where he met his wife of 55 years, Faith Wilson Peperone. Her vivacious and outgoing spirit was a nice balance to his quiet and reserved demeanor. Bill began his career working as the assistant for the top executives at LP&L and NOPSI, spending half a day with each immediately prior to their merger. He continued working with the new company, Entergy, until his retirement in 2011 after 42 years of service. He served in many capacities, including Sales, Operations, Government Affairs, and Economic Development.

With Faith, Bill raised two children – Keith and Tiffany. They mourned the loss of their son Keith in 2005. Bill supported his children's activities, and diligently helped with homework and school projects. He enthusiastically attended their sporting events at Brother Martin and LSU. He taught his children steady determination and resilience. One became a dentist and the other a lawyer. Not only could he fix and build things in the house, but he also used his gift of building creatively. He enjoyed carving fruit for entertaining and parties and carving pumpkins for his grandchildren. He could make delicious chocolate mousse cheesecake, fudge, and pepperoni omelets. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling, especially cruises in Europe with Faith.

He was passionate about public service and economic development. Most important to him, he served as Chairman of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and its longest serving board member, and enjoyed several years on the board while his daughter was JEDCO's general counsel. He also served as a Commissioner on the St. Bernard Parish Economic Development Commission and a board member of Greater New Orleans, Inc. He served as Vice Chairman of the Jefferson Parish Workforce Commission and Chairman of the International Community Development Council Board of Trustees. He served on the Board of the World Affairs Council of New Orleans and was an officer of the Entergy Louisiana Political Action Committee. He was a member of the Council for Urban Economic Development, member of the Southern Economic Development Council and a member of the Utility Economic Development Association. He was also a Board member of the Harvey Canal Industrial Association and Board member of the Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce. His accomplishments included being Certified Trade Show Marketing Professional, a certified Economic Development Finance Professional, a certified Professional Community and Economic Development Professional, a graduate of the Community Development Institute and a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

He was loved by many people, including his parents, Vincent Peperone and Josephine Centanni Peperone; his wife, Faith Wilson Peperone; his children, Keith Peperone, D.D.S. (Lauren) and Tiffany Peperone Pitre, J.D. (Loulan Jr.); and grandchildren Andrew and Jacob Peperone of Anchorage, Alaska, Loulan III and Ellen Pitre of New Orleans; sister Beverly Peperone Murphy (Howard) and brother Ralph Peperone (Wanda) of Lakeland, TN. He had special bonds with his brothers-in-law Gaylord Wilson and J.B. McKenzie.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at East Jefferson General Hospital and Heart of Hospice for their compassionate and tender care.

Services will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with a mass at 12:00 p. m. (Noon). Interment will immediately follow at West Lawn Memorial Park, 1225 Whitney Avenue Gretna, LA 70056.

The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.