John Guy Gelpi

John Guy GelpiJohn (Johnny) Guy Gelpi died on Saturday, January 31 at his home in Baton Rouge, LA with his loving wife of 57 years and their children at his bedside. He and Mary Jane relocated to Baton Rouge from New Orleans in January 2007. Johnny was 92 years old and was born on September 3, 1922 in Patterson, LA to Arthur and Ursula Blanchard Gelpi.  He and his three older siblings were raised by their mother in Gretna. LA and he lived most of his life in the New Orleans Algiers area.  He graduated Gretna High, Soule Business College and attended classes at Tulane University and Delgado Community College.  He is a WWII veteran who served as Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Force.  He was stationed in Accra West Africa, Tunis Tunisia and Casablanca.  Johnny retired after thirty-eight years with Exxon/Mobil where he served in the capacity of buyer in purchasing, transportation, casing designing, and accounts payable.  Since retirement from Exxon he was active in the Exxon/Mobil Annuitants club in New Orleans. His passion and joys in life were family, dancing, tennis, gardening, being with people, and his experiences in the Army Air Corp. He volunteered as a Naturalist at the New Orleans Aquarium of the Americas and was past chairman of N.O.O.T.T. (New Orleans Oilmen Tennis Tournament.).  Always looking to improve his skills, he successfully completed the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course and later earned a tour guide license for Louisiana. His love for music drove him to take several years of piano lessons. Johnny was an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, West bank New Orleans and St. George Catholic Church, Baton Rouge, LA, and the over-55 groups: St. George Golden Oaks Ministry and St. Andrew SAGES. He attended silent annual retreats at Manresa since 2/7/74 a total of 40 years.  As a member of Boy Scout Troop 64 in Gretna he earned his Eagle Scout award.  Following his lead in attaining this award were his son, Dr. Gregory J. Gelpi and grandsons, Spencer Davis Jackson, Jr., and John Preston Jackson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Gagnier Gelpi, son Dr. Gregory J. (Deborah) Gelpi, daughter Judith Gelpi (Spencer) Jackson; grandchildren Amanda and Emilie Gelpi, Davis (Alexis) Jackson, Preston and Kendall Jackson; and a large and loving extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sisters Anna Mae Guidry, Grace Ziifle and Brother James Gelpi. Relatives and friends are invited to attend religious services on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Dr, Baton Rouge. Visitation  9am; Prelude 10:20am; Mass 10:30am celebrated by Fr. Michael Schatzle. A reception at Kleinpeter Center will follow.   Burial will follow at Westlawn Memorial Cemetery in Gretna, LA with graveside service at 2:00pm.  The Gelpi family wishes to thank the staff at "Hospice In His Care" for their two years of excellent service, and also the faithful sitters, in particularly Eddie Davis. Interment arrangements are made through Rabenhorst Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Manresa Retreat House, P.O. Box 89, Convent, LA 70723-0089, the St Andrew the Apostle Troop 64, 3101 Eton Street, LA 70131-5399, or Charlie's Place, Alzheimer's Services, 3772 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.