The Life of Joseph Boustany
A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph Boustany will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 10:00 AM in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette.
Reverend Chester Arceneaux, Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Giftbearers will be Robin Godeaux and Amber Boustany. Lectors will be Emily Breaux and Ashley Elizabeth Boustany. Karen Broussard, soloist, accompanied by Tom Niel, organist, will sing "Ave Maria", "One Bread One Body", "Here I Am Lord", "Pie Jesu" and "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" for the services.
Visitation will be observed at Martin & Castille''s DOWNTOWN Lafayette location on Friday, February 25, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM, led by Deacon Randy Hyde. Visitation will resume on Saturday from 8:00 AM until the time of services. Interment will follow in Holy Mary Mother of God Cemetery.
Mr. Boustany was born to Najib Boustany and Dimetria Leito Boustany on October 24, 1921 in Tehuantipec, Oaxaca, Mexico. He came to the United States with his older brother, Robert, little sister, Emily, and his father in 1941, leaving behind his married older sisters, Susan, Julia and Angelica. Upon graduating from Cathedral High School, he enlisted in the United States Army in order to serve his beloved new country during World War II. It was during this time that he became a naturalized citizen. Wounded as a private first class, he received the honor of the Purple Heart. In 2007, he traveled with the Honor Air Flight Program to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorial established to honor such men of devoted service. This was truly one of his fondest and proudest memories.
Returning from the service, Mr. Boustany was employed at Boustany''s Grocery and Department Store, where, prior to the war, he had met the love of his life, Mildred Latiolais. He married her and at the time of his death, they had been married for almost 65 years. No lady was ever carried on a higher pedestal. He began a career with, and retired from, the City of Lafayette Utilities System. As a younger man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and swimming in the beaches in Galveston, Texas. As a loving father, however, he proudly watched the track and tennis competitions of his sons, Ronnie, James and Edward. As for his daughter, Susan, he simply spoiled her. In later years, Joseph was wonderfully content to regularly feast at several buffets in the city, complete the daily crossword puzzle or thrice recite the Rosary, always with Mildred at his side.
After an extended illness, he succumbed on Wednesday, February 23, 2011. The family wishes to thank, with very grateful hearts, Doctors Vernon Valentino, Juan Zeik, Maitland Deland, Ed Breaux and Ziad Ashkar and Physician''s Assistant, Stella Prejean. Your knowledge and dedication to your profession provided him the best care possible. However, it was your love for him that gave him the peace and determination he needed to continue to fight during these last months. Special thanks are expressed to Dr. Valerie Panelli. When others, not knowing Joseph''s strength and faith as well as you did, wanted only to make him comfortable, you championed him and personally rallied on his behalf. Because of you, he had six more months with his family. The Boustany family is also very appreciative of the care the special nurses on the 5th and 7th floors of Lafayette General Medical Center gave to Mr. Boustany. Thank you all.
Surviving Joseph is his dear wife, Mildred; his three sons, Ronnie Joseph Boustany and his wife Carol Olivier of Lafayette, James Boustany and his wife Brenda Hollier of Lafayette and Edward Jules Boustany and his wife Tessa Sagrera of Lafayette; and one daughter, Susan Marie Durand and her husband Paul A. of Lafayette. Survivors also include nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Damon Boustany and his wife Kathy and their son Ethan; Shane Boustany and his wife Kristin and their children, Kaitlyn and Addyson Marie; Shannon Boustany and his wife Melissa and their son, Shannon, Jr.; Robin Boustany and her husband Jude Godeaux and their children, Davyn and Kase; Emily Anne Broussard Breaux and her husband Scott and their children Blythe Elise and Brent Paul; Amber Celeste Boustany; Daniel James Boustany and his wife Kim; Ashley Elizabeth Boustany; and Joseph Austin Boustany. Mr. Boustany is also survived by his step-grandchildren and their families: Debbie, Bucky, Karen, Krissa, Claudette, Paul Jr. and Steven. Mr. Boustany leaves behind one sister, Emily (Esperanza) Boustany, along with his nephew, Robert and nieces, Beverly Boustany Chitty and Mary Alice Boustany.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert; his sisters, Amelia, Angelica, Julia and Susan.
Pallbearers will be Damon Michael Boustany, Shane René Boustany, Shannon Ray Boustany, Daniel James Boustany, Scott A. Breaux and Jude Godeaux.
Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311
