Bernard D’Arcangelo
March 31, 2020
Bernard George D'Arcangelo peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March, 31 2020 at his home after a long battle with dementia.
He was the devoted husband of 63 years to Mary Rose LaBruzzo D'Arcangelo and the loving father of Joseph (Beth), Donna, Frank, Gina (Jude), Carla (Gary) and the late Dean D'Arcangelo.He was the proud Grandfather to Anthony Kulick, Christina D'Arcangelo, Nina Kulick, Mark Gittelson, Michael D'Arcangelo, Avan Gittelson and Nicholas D'Arcangelo who all brought so much joy into his life. Bernard was the only son of the late Mary Aiavolasiti D'Arcangelo and Joseph D'Arcangelo and the grandson of late maternal grandparents, Rose Matranga Aiavolasiti and Georgio Aiavolasiti and late paternal grandparents, Frances Candiotta D'Arcangelo and Bernardo D'Arcangelo.
Bernard was 89 years old, born in New Orleans on Feb. 6, 1931. He graduated from St Aloysius High School in 1949 and attended both Tulane and Loyola Universities.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was a proud veteran, always displaying the American flag and supporting military causes. After returning from the war, he joined Asbestos Workers Local #53 and was a lifelong member.
He worked for over 31 years, most of them as a general foreman on countless construction and plant jobs. He possessed many talents and could fix virtually anything - automotive, construction, air conditioning, etc. Bernard's family, friends and neighbors will attest to his willingness and ability to fix anything and help anyone. During his children's school years, that same ability was extended to the various schools, the church for fairs, fund raisers and recruiting. Over the years, he had much to keep him busy. He loved fishing, going to all the grandchildren's activities and football games.
He belonged to many organizations and gatherings: The Air Force 319th Interceptor Squadron , The V. A. Korea War Group, The Court Jesters (The Court of Two Sisters), St Aloysius Alumni, The Friends (The Balcony), The Trestle Trout Trollers (Slidell). He loved attending reunions and monthly S.J.A. luncheons with his wife's classmates and their husbands in Bay St. Louis. Number one on his all-time favorite list was watching his hero Drew Brees and his beloved Saints!
Retirement was never for him. Even after several surgeries that would have put down many others, he continued working at jobs like a man 20 years younger and even going into a remodeling business with his lifelong friend, Marion Fritscher. Bernard was everyone's friend. He loved to talk and tell stories. It was said that he was the church "greeter" after Mass every week. His wife joked that he could talk to a wooden cigar store Indian and make him talk back! He loved parties and family get-togethers, the years of Mardi Gras celebrations, but most of all, his Open House Party on Christmas Eve when he invited the immediate world! He loved being the host with the most, champagne glass in hand, inviting all to sample his wife's wonderful cooking.
Bernard lived his life according to his faith and was a 60 plus years parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Church. He was an adoring husband, a proud and exemplary father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. Beloved "Uncle Bernie" to so many nieces and nephews and loved by his extended family members. He was a good man.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Veterans Administration, Veterans Empowerment, especially Fred Fuentes and The Military Order of The Purple Hearts for all of their help and support before and during Bernard's illness. Our deepest gratitude to Greenwalt Center, Passages Hospice, Deacons Stephen Gordon and Uriel Durr, our wonderful and supportive nurses, Lanell, Star, Joy, Robbie and Mary, and especially our aide Martha who always brought joy and support. Also thanks to our Eucharistic Minister Gene Cerise. Notification at a later date will be given concerning a Memorial Celebration of Life. The online guestbook is available at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.