Gary Joseph Songy Sr.

Gary was born on July 29, 1954, to Royal Songy and Anna Ribaul Songy in New Orleans, LA. He spent his youth in St. Roch neighborhood of 8th Ward, New Orleans. At the age of 18, he met the love of his life, Dianne DeShazo. They were married on December 2, 1972, and were later blessed with their three children, Gary Songy Jr., Shane Songy and Brook Songy. They were married for 50 beautiful years.

Gary was a dedicated husband and father with a sense of duty that was unmatched. He was a Master Mechanic Technician of Louisiana for 15 years before taking a leap of faith and opening his own business. Gary and his wife, Dianne, opened and operated a successful Major League Baseball Cards for 10 years. Changing course in 1999, he opened Songy’s Bar and Daiquiris in Arabi. Gary could always be found behind the bar serving more than just beers. While sipping his coffee, he dished out anecdotes, wisdom and friendship to all who came to see him.

By way of Hurricane Katrina, Gary found his true calling. For the last 17 years of his life, he was the heart and soul of WOW café and Wingery, a family-owned restaurant in Chalmette. To customers and staff alike, he was always willing to listen, learn and guide with compassion and without judgement. Gary has truly inspired the young men and women of WOW and he will be desperately missed by all.

Gary’s life was not all work and duty. He loved drag racing. He taught his sons the sport and traveled the country relishing in the fact that it had become a whole family affair. He loved the special bond that he had with his only daughter. Hours long conversations about life and love were their specialty and changing the world was their passion. Whether it was at a racetrack in Baton Rouge or crawfish boil in his own backyard, family time was the best time for Gary.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Royal and Anna Songy; his sister, Carol Songy Williams; His brother-in-law, James Williams; his sister-in-law, Diane Nitz Songy; his granddaughter, Faith Songy and his niece, Brandy Songy Martinez. He is survived by his sweetheart and wife, Dianne Songy; his children, Gary Songy Jr. (Erin), Shane Songy (Kelly) and Brook Songy; his seven grandchildren, Emily and Julia Songy, Mia and MacKenzie Songy, Bella Anastasiadis, Gerald “Jay” Ruiz IV and Gary “Trey” Songy III; his siblings, Jerry Songy (Debbie), Gail Songy Meyers (Peter); numerous nieces, nephews and grandnephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR CHURCH, 2320 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA on Monday, April 17, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass honoring Gary’s life beginning at 12:00 PM. He will be laid to eternal rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. For all who would like to attend, the family will host a reception after at WOW Café and Wingery in Chalmette, LA.