Virgil "Rip" D Joffrion Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Virgil “Rip” Joffrion, Sr. He served as the first Commissioner of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Virgil Joffrion, Sr., died at home on Friday, June 24, 2022. He was 96 years old.

Visitation will be at Ourso Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 6pm-9pm and Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 9am until Mass of Christian burial at 11am in Donaldsonville, LA, Father Matt Dupre officiating. Interment at St. Jules Cemetery in Belle Rose, LA.

Mr. Joffrion attended Ascension Catholic High School, graduating from Donaldsonville High School. A veteran of WWII where he proudly served his country on B 17’s as a Ball Turret Gunner during his tour of duty with the 3704th Army Air Force Battalion. He received the Atlantic Theater Operations Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. Upon completing his tour of duty, Virgil returned to Donaldsonville and partnered with his father picking and running the local Moss Gin. He also ran a dry cleaning business and founded Joffrion Tax Service. Virgil was elected to the Board of Directors at the Assumption Bank & Trust, was an active member and diligently served in various offices in the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, AARP Capital City Task Force, St. Francis Men’s Club, charter and lifetime member of the Belle Rose Hunting Club and various civic, school and religious organizations. After his retirement, Virgil went into real estate development with his sons, developing Bayou Corne, Bayou Tranquil and No Problem Raceway. His favorite pastime was cooking and going to the camp with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Guichet Grisaffe. He was married to his 1st wife Rosemary Garon and together they had 12 children. Virgil, Jr. (Louise), Steve (Stacy), Kathleen “Gal” Joffrion (Robert) Lillian “Lillie” Gruner (Robert) Felix “Fil” (Brenda), Patrick “Pat” (Kristi) Marion “MJ” (Beth), Thomas “Tommy” (Holly), Ruthie Golden (Rusty) and Dale Gremillion (Jana); stepchildren, Stephanie Thibodeaux (Chuckie), Burt Grisaffe (Darla) and John Grisaffe; step- son-in-law, Stephen Rome. He leaves behind 36 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, friends and good neighbors.

Preceding him in death are his 1st wife Rosemary Garon, two daughters, Louise Joffrion and Mary Carbo; son, Kenny Joffrion; parents, Leonard Morgan "Rip" Joffrion and Juanita Noel Joffrion, five brothers, Robert, Olin, Ray, Morgan and Richard Joffrion; two sisters, Geraldine Joffrion Lofton and Dorothy “Connie” LeBlanc; stepchildren, Felix “Chip” Grisaffe and Kelly Grisaffe Rome.

His grandchildren will serve as Pallbearers, Gift Bearers and Readers. The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their care, kindness and patience.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oursoDonaldsonville.com for the Joffrion family.