Sam Gerace, Jr.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.
Timothy 2:47

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sam Gerace, Jr, age 80, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on, Monday, March 28, 2011 in the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Melville, followed by interment in the church cemetery. The Reverend Austin Leger will be the celebrant of the Mass.
Mr.Gerace, who was a native and a lifelong resident of Bayou Current, died at 6:02 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011 in the Opelousas General Health System.
Sam was a master carpenter by trade, worked for the Peoples Moss Gin PMG in Palmetto and was a member of the Local Carpenters Union 1098. He loved to garden and was always quick to help someone in need. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Rita L. Gerace of Bayou Current son, Teryl G. Gerace, Sr. and wife Monica K. Gerace of Baton Rouge daughter, VonDaleigh Benezech and husband Patrick J. Benezech of Baton Rouge brother, Anthony J. Gerace of Madisonville, LA sisters, Annie G. Gurrera of Metairie, LA and Mary G. Galle of Mandeville, LA grandchildren, Teryl Gene Gerace, JR and wife Angel S. Gerace, Travis G. Gerace and wife Johanna Z. Gerace, all of Bayou Current great grandchildren, Chelsie Stelly, Kaleb Stelly, Laine Gerace, Ava Gerace, and Eli Gerace, all of Bayou Current and a greatgreat granddauther, Aliyah Williams of Bayou Current.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Sarah Maddie Gerace brothers, Louis S. Gerace and Frank Gerace sisters, Seraphine Gerace, Josephine G. Gerace, Rosie G. Hebert and Stella Gerace.
Visiting hours will be observed in the LaFondArdoin Funeral Home of Melville, beginning on Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and will reopen on Monday at 9:00 a.m. until service time. A rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rhonda Bergeron and the ICU staff at Opelousas General Health System and also to the many friends, family and church members for all of their prayers.
Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.
LaFondArdoin Funeral Home of Melville, 607 First St., Melville, LA 71353 3379422638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

LafondArdoin Funeral Home
607 First Street
Melville, LA  71353
Sunday, March 27, 2011
4:00 9:00 P.M.

Service

Church

St. John Catholic Church
318 First Street
Melville, LA  71353
Monday, March 28, 2011
11:00 A.M.

Cemetery

St. John Catholic Church Cemetery
318 First Street
Melville, LA  71353