Charlie Jeunesse

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rene Jeunesse Jr. and Rose Mancuso Jeunesse; twin sister, Gertrude Linda Loop; and grandparents, Rene Jeunesse Sr. and Gertrude Zimmerman Klein, Pascal Mancuso and Mary Gennaro Mancuso.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Wolf; sons, Emile Jeunesse (Harvey) and Jean-Paul Jeunesse (Elise); step-son, Glenn Barnett; brother, Harold Jeunesse; sister, Elaine Roane (Kirk); nephews, Kris (Kim) and Rene Roane (Sherri); nieces, Elaine “Sissy” Roane and Stephanie Loop Freeman (Mike); great-nieces, Kamryn Roane, Karsyn Roane, and Morgan Freeman; and great-nephews, Kyle and Bryce Roane. He is also survived by multiple cousins and a multitude of close friends.

Charlie was born in the house he lived and died in. Specifically growing up in Old Kenner, near Rivertown, right on the Mississippi. His Sicilian family owned Mancuso Barrel and Box Company along the railroad. He attended Kenner Junior High and then East Jefferson High School, graduating in 1969. He went on to Louisiana State University to receive his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1973. Soon after he began working at Phillip’s 66 in River Ridge. It was here that his relationship with the local community began. His loyal customers returned time and again because of his dedication and selfless service to each person that he met. Meanwhile, he also pursued his passions of traveling Europe and Australia, playing basketball and tennis, watching classic movies, and hanging out with friends at the Crown. It was also during this time he met Maria and began a family in River Ridge.

Providentially, in 2004, Phillip’s 66 closed and he soon found himself opening up Charlie’s Auto Repair (CAR) just down the street in Harahan with the original Phillip’s 66 crew. His local customers followed loyally. Then, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina flipped the city inside out. But thankfully, Charlie remained behind and was a great support to the Harahan Police Department and also went out to aid the community alongside his friends. Charlie’s Auto Repair soon became the well-known and well-loved, mom-n-pop gas station.

He will be remembered for his warm presence, entertaining stories, quick wit, generosity, and ever-present reliability. His friends will remember his encyclopedic knowledge of trivia, the annual Christmas Eve parties, regular lunches at the station, and sharing a Jack-n-Coke at Roy’s. His family will remember Sunday brunches and trivia quizzes, personal and creative gifts, and his “required viewing” of old movies.

Charlie was a good man with an old-school spirit, a servant of the community, a dear friend to many, and will be remembered for the countless lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with eulogies starting at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. A private interment will be held at a later date.