JANICE MIRABELLA SCHWARTZ
Janice Mirabella Schwartz through God’s grace and St. Joseph’s intercession died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96 years young after a day of Italian and birthday celebrations, on Friday, March 24, 2023. She is noted for her vibrance, love of life, and family. Her hallmark was being seen dressed in her many sparkly hats and entertaining everyone with her musical stuffed animals. Our favorite memories were gathering at the table, enjoying her delicious cooking, especially homemade bread and pizza.
Janice was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Anthony Mirabella and Lucy Naples Thomas (and loving step-father, Ralph Thomas). At 18 years old, a feisty Northerner came down South and began working as a radio operator for National Airlines and later Western Union and Texaco Oil Co. She met and was married to Harold Joseph Schwartz Jr. of New Orleans (deceased) for 67 years and they were loving parents of Paula Schwartz Powell (married to deceased Henry “Herb” Powell III) and Timothy Schwartz (deceased).
Through the years she became “Me Maw” not only to the following grandchildren and great grandchildren but to everyone! She made happy memories with grandchildren: Tiffany Powell Thieme (Jared), Lieutenant Col. Damien Powell (Robin) and Lauren Powell, Michael Schwartz (Aerin), Eric Schwartz (Amanda), great grandchildren: Robert “Trey” Higgins III, Brennan Higgins, Aurora Powell, Jacoby Powell, Marlee Powell, Aiden Schwartz, Alyssa Schwartz, Sperry Schwartz, Harley Schwartz. “Me Maw” always kept abreast of their interests and accomplishments.
She was active in the Gentilly Lake Homemakers Club and the BALL (Be Active Live Longer) Club. She loved to entertain her Ohio relatives that came to visit and see New Orleans over the years. Finding a new home after Hurricane Katrina, Harold and Janice became active in St. John of the Cross Parish in Lacombe where she became a member of the Ladies Guild.
For the last five years, she has resided at Oak Park Village of Slidell where she tried to “make people laugh”. We thank the staff and caregivers for giving her a social outlet, kindness, TLC and a blessed last day.
Services will take place at St. John the Cross Catholic Church in Lacombe, La on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Relatives, friends and caregivers are welcome to attend. Visitation begins at 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. when the eulogy will begin with Mass to follow. There will be a short reception in the parish hall. Internment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests Masses or donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or 1-800-395-1087.
ANTHONY JOSEPH DIVENCENTI JR.
Anthony Joseph DiVincenti Jr. passed away on April 2, 2023, in Slidell, Louisiana, after a spirited battle with prostate cancer that he approached with the same humor and determination that defined his life. Born on October 24, 1939, in New Orleans to the late Anthony Joseph DiVincenti Sr. and the late Louise Vida Caruso, he spent 83 years bringing laughter and wisdom to everyone he knew. Better known as Antney to family and Tony to his many friends, he spent 83 years bringing laughter and wisdom to everyone he knew.
Antney was surrounded by love, both in life and at the end. He is survived by his devoted wife, Renee DiVincenti, who shared 29 years of marriage with him, and his son, Anthony Joseph DiVincenti III. He was also the proud grandfather of Anthony Joseph DiVincenti IV and Carlie Ariel DiVincenti, who brought him endless joy. Antney leaves behind a close-knit family that includes his brother, Philip DiVincenti, and sister, Marilyn Miller. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Angela Miller, Jeremy Miller (Aimee), Kim DiVincenti Denson, Mike DiVincenti (Bliss), Kimberly Ponthier Robin (Ricky), Kerry Ponthier (Brittany) and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves behind his furbaby, Miss Benny. To say that he will be missed is an understatement, but his spirit will live on through the fond memories he shared with his loved ones.
Education was a cornerstone in Antney’s life. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Louisiana State University and later earned a master’s degree in education from Loyola University in New Orleans. With these degrees in hand, Antney embarked on a career in education that would span several decades. He worked as a teacher and counselor in St. Bernard Parish at Lacoste Elementary, Trist Junior High, and Millaudon Middle. Antney retired from St. Tammany Parish as a counselor at Slidell Junior High.
His desire for teaching went well beyond the classroom. Any opportunity he had when talking with people he would try to mentor and educate them on the stock market, overall health and wellbeing, and occasionally politics.
Outside of his work in education, Antney had many passions. He was a founding member of The Changing Times band, where he played the saxophone for decades.
Antney was also an avid weightlifter, spending countless hours in the gym throughout his life, most recently at Cross Gates on Pontchartrain in Slidell. He believed in the power of physical fitness and its ability to keep both the body and mind sharp. At the age of 80, Antney competed in USA Masters Weightlifting – a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. As an LSU fan through and through, Antney loved attending home games in Death Valley, cheering on his beloved Tigers with the same fervor that he brought to the weight room.
The family would like to thank all of his doctors and nurses for the loving care they provided, Passages Hospice for their services, and all of the love and support of family and friends over the last few months.
Services will be held at Pearl River Methodist Church at 65480 LA 41 in Pearl River, Louisiana on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the St.Tammany Animal Shelter in Antney’s name. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
ERIC GEORGE HERMANN COSTELLO
Eric George Herrmann Costello, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on March 29, 2023, in Slidell, Louisiana at the age of 67. Born on November 1, 1955, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Eric is the son of the late Ceferino Ramos Costello and Claire Bernadine Herrmann Costello.
Eric grew up in New Orleans and attended St. Bernard High School. He was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, working as a skilled carpenter for many years. Eric’s talents were evident in the beautiful and functional structures he created, leaving a lasting legacy in the homes and buildings he helped construct. His passion for carpentry extended beyond his work, often spending his free time creating wooden treasures for his family and friends.
On May 13, 1973, Eric married the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Karen Gayle Costello. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising their two sons, Steven Herman Costello (Mandy Lynn Costello) and Eric Michael Costello. Eric’s love for his family was evident in everything he did, from supporting his children’s endeavors to doting on his beloved grandchildren, Allison Gail Brassette, Madelyn Sue Costello, Blake Hunter Costello, Cooper Steven Costello, McKenzie Rae Costello, and Angelina Christina Brassette Costello.
In addition to his immediate family, Eric is survived by his brother, Lonnie Donald Herrmann Costello Sr. (Mary Costello); his uncle, Donald Herrmann (Kathy Herrmann); and his great-niece, Laura Gordon. He was a loving brother who cherished the bond he shared with his brother, always offering a helping hand or a listening ear when needed.
Eric had a zest for life and a love for the simple pleasures that brought him fulfillment such as fishing, often spending hours on the water, patiently waiting for the perfect catch. Eric’s love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for watching television, where he could be found cheering on his favorite sports teams or enjoying a classic movie. He had a particular fondness for eating watermelon, a treat that brought back fond memories of his childhood and family gatherings.
Above all, Eric valued the time he spent with his family, creating lasting memories and forging unbreakable bonds. He was a loving, handy, and dependable man who could be counted on for anything, from fixing a broken toy to offering a shoulder to lean on during difficult times. Eric’s love for his family was immeasurable, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
As we remember Eric George Herrmann Costello, let us celebrate the life he lived, the love he shared, and the legacy he leaves behind. Eric found his final resting place on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Eric’s name. May he rest in peace, knowing that his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
CAIN COCHRAN
On March 26, 2023 at 11:37 a.m., Cain Cochran had his last moment, holding hands with his Mother, Father, Sister, and Uncle. We hugged and kissed him goodbye. He tried so hard, every day, to stay with us, but his heart transplant did not come in time. He is irreplaceable for everyone who knew him.
It takes no effort to fall in love with Cain. It’s as easy as seeing his smile or hearing him speak. And I am at a loss for ways to describe him. He made something special out of every moment.
A gathering in Cain’s honor took place on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. Attendees were asked to wear Cain’s favorite color red.
In lieu of flowers, thoughts, and prayers, we are asking everyone to become an organ donor and support Donate Life America. There are so many families that can be saved from this horribly empty feeling.
Memories may be shared at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
Audubon Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For information on services, contact Audubon at 985-645-0600 or online at: audubonfuneralhome.com)
Larry Jay McCreary, age 74, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023.
A native of Bloomington, IN, he graduated from LSU with a Master’s Degree in Law and had a career as an attorney in New Orleans.
Lloyd “Hugh” Morris, Jr., age 74, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023.
A native of Shreveport, LA, he graduated from Byrd High School in 1966 and then served in the U.S. Army. He was a successful McDonald’s franchisee who worked his way up to own 13 stores, retiring after 46 years with the company.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling, especially on his boat to the Caribbean. He also had a pilot’s license and enjoyed racing sports cars, riding his Harleys and going to the casino.
Jeanne Jenkins Green, age 93, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Born in Lakewood, NY, she lived most of her life there, working at Jenkins Dairy and remaining a part of the dairy most of her life until its closing. She found her real niche in life at the Green Farm Tea Room, assisting brides with their wedding day.
She enjoyed playing cards, particularly bridge, was an avid reader, a cook, flower arranger, golfer and bowler. She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church in Jamestown, NY, and was involved in many other local groups before moving to Slidell later in life as she was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease.
Frank “Coach” Brocato, Jr., age 85, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, after a yearlong battle with dementia.
A native of Ferriday, LA, he was a teacher and coach for 40 years after an outstanding career as a player that earned him a spot in the Louisiana Hall of Fame as a player from Ferriday High School, where his team had a 56-game winning streak in the mid-50s.
He played college football and earned a degree in Biology, starting a coaching career in which, he won 247 games, including several years as head coach for Pearl River High.
He also was an avid tennis player and coach, who also enjoyed growing tomatoes at his Cross Gates home.
Honaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For more information on services, contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 or online at: honakerforestlawn.com)
Raymond J. Cazenave, age 70, of Lacombe, LA, passed away on Monday, Marcdh 27, 2023.
He was a lifelong resident of Lacombe.
Ronald Richard Jae, Sr., age 86, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023.
A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he served in the U.S. Air Force and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.
After the service he was a manager at Winkie’s, a field service engineer for Ohio Nuclear where he repaired nuclear imaging machinery, and then worked for Johnson & Johnson until retiring in 1986. He later worked for General Electric until 1999.
Charles “Chuck” W. Himber, age 79, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023, from prostate cancer.
Born in South Bend, IN, he lived in the Chicago area until moving to Slidell at the age of 12.