Adam “Paw Paw” Henry Graff, Jr. has joined his beloved wife, Rosalie Madeline Graff, just as he promised that he’d do.
It took him the last six of his 96 years on earth to keep that promise, but he made it in Slidell, on May 15, 2016.
Back in 1920, in New Orleans, he was born to Lena Cascio of Chiusa Sclafani, Sicily and Adam Henry Graff, Sr. of New Orleans, LA., where he lived until his move to Lacombe after retirement from AT&T in the early ’80’s.
His parents along with a sister, Caroline Graff Beckendorf, are part of the welcoming committee for him in Heaven. He leaves behind his 3 children, Adam III (Jacqueline), Gail Graff Schmidt (George), and David, along with 6 grandchildren, Adam IV, (Regina) & Kristen Graff, Amanda Schmidt, (Kaylyn) Allison Schmidt, Mitchel (Britney), and Daniel Graff.
Also part of the loving family that will miss him is his great-grandchildren, Sarah, Claire, Brinley and another one on the way. He was an avid Saints fan although he occasionally lost faith in them, loved LSU football, (Daniel played for them!), LSU baseball and dancing and a good party.
He and his wife, Rosalie, would don costumes and perform for shutin’s and residents of assisted living facilities. He loved being the clown! He leaves behind a plethora of friends, most of whom are already gone, but each of whom would stand for him in his loyalty, honesty, steadfastness, dependability, wit and good humor. He was a member of the AT&T Pioneers, the Elks, Lodge # 2321, Happy Hour Senior Citizen’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Council #2732, Lacombe Senior Citizens, Bayou Liberty Civic Org. and St. John of the Cross Catholic Church.
He was most proud of his children and grandchildren, but especially his great-grandchildren. His biggest regret was that the Army would not let him join the WWII fight citing varicose veins in his right leg…..even after he had them excised.
Per his wish, he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West, Slidell, on May 28, 2016 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. The family would like to thank Canon Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care and in lieu of flowers, requests that donations be made in his name to Canon Hospice, 19375 N. 4th St. Covington, LA 70433.
Dastadooda and Pouffalou will miss you, Paw Paw.
Visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell.
John Brunson Coats, 60, died unexpectedly on May 19, 2016, at his home in Slidell.
He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Brunson Davis, and his father, John B. Coats.
John is survived by a brother, David Coats (Nancy) of Raleigh, NC; a sister, Beth McFarland of New Orleans; a daughter, Ashley Coats, son-in-law, Michael Boucher, and a grandson, Benjamin Boucher, of Los Angeles; and long-time companion, Joni Edwards of Wiggins, MS, as well as nieces Celia Coats and Roxana Coats of Raleigh, NC.
John was born in New Orleans on June 19, 1955, and graduated from Trinity Episcopal School and Isidore Newman High School where, among other things, he was co-captain of Newman’s football team. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.A.
In association with his father, John B. Coats, his business interests included Trademark Realty and Trademark Renovation Companies. John then managed long-term care facilities in New Orleans before moving to Slidell where he managed real estate projects throughout Louisiana, as well as the Chamale Tennis and Social Club in Slidell which he owned and operated. His firm also renovated and has a majority ownership interest in the historic Vicksburg Hotel.
John was accomplished in business. However, he was defined by an unsurpassed “joie de vivre” and a love of his fellow man. He loved books and learning, and could speak with ease and expertise on any number of topics.
He was a fine athlete who loved a number of sports (and of course the Saints). He, at his core, personified a Peter Pan quality (in all the good ways) and was forever a boy who loved nothing more than bringing joy to others. Sadly, words fail to properly convey his true qualities. He never met a stranger and was much, much loved by his family and friends.
Friends and family will celebrate John’s life from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, at Palmettos On The Bayou, 1901 Bayou Lane in Slidell, with true stories of romance, adventure, karaoke, charades, poetry, music, quadrathalons, wombats, cooking, sharing, and giving.
John loved life by loving people. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to www. cedarcreekwombatrescue.com (a bit of an inside joke) or the Tipitina’s Foundation – tipitinasfoundation.org.