Giuseppe "Joe" Lovisa

Giuseppe “Joe” Lovisa entered peacefully into heaven on Friday, August 12, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalia Zolin Lovisa of 62 years and his 4 children; Sandra L. Rauch (Donald), Frank Lovisa (Sandy), Mark Lovisa (Mary) and Kathy L. Miller (Greg) and the late Francesca Lovisa. Proud grandfather of 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Loving son of the late Maria DeMichel Lovisa and Domenico Lovisa. Brother of the Luciana L. DiMarco, Gigia L. Serena and the late Angelina L. Zanetti, Rico Lovisa, Mario Lovisa and Luigi Lovisa.

Age 86, a native of Cavasso Nuovo, Italy and a lifelong resident of Metairie, LA.

Joe joined the Italian Army at the age of 17, and after numerous flirts with death he was captured by the Nazi’s. Joe was a POW until the end of WWII. After returning to his home in Italy, Joe took a job offer to install terrazzo floors in a Naval hospital in South Carolina. It was on this journey to America where he met his future wife, American born, Rosalia. They were married in New Orleans on May 21, 1949, and decided to begin their life together there. Joe went on to found American Tile and Terrazzo Co. in 1957, which has grown into the largest terrazzo contractor in the state of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast under his guidance. He became an esteemed member of the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association. During his time at the company’s helm Joe amassed many national awards for his work, and left his mark in houses, sidewalks, and building throughout the city and region. In his free time he enjoyed being a true Louisiana sportsman, spending countless hours with friends and family on the water, duck hunting and fishing. Joe will be missed by his family and his loving friends.

Relatives , friends and employees of American Tile and Terrazzo Co. are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie. Visitation from 10:30 am until funeral time. Interment in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Condolences may be offered online www.gardenofmemoriesfuneralhome.com.