Leoncio “Chris” F. Roussel, age 93, died on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 2:25 AM. Beloved husband of the late Irma Munch Roussel. Father of Karen Roussel Cordes and Kevin David Roussel “Laura”. Former Father-in Law of Kathy Baggert Roussel. Son of the late Laura Puga Roussel and Lucien Roussel. Brother of the late Dolores R. Wisdom and Lucien S. Roussel. Grandfather of Robert LaBrosse Jr, Kristen Wendel and David LaBrosse. Great-grandfather of Robert LaBrosse III, Nicholas Wendel, Adam Wendel, Matthew Wendel, Declan LaBrosse, Lucien LaBrosse, Brad Fals, Madison Brown, Hunter Brown and the late Rachael LaBrosse. Great-great-grandfather of Hailey LaBrosse. He served our country in the U. S. Navy during WW II. Born in New Orleans, Mr. Roussel lived on Royal Street and moved to Arabi in 1956. He devoted his life to serving the St. Bernard Parish community by providing hope to the poor, improvised, underprivileged and elderly through numerous service and charitable organizations. Chris worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for children, spending countless hours working to improve the parishes’ playgrounds and ballparks.
Joined NAVY in 1942 and competed in boxing as a welterweight; COMMUNITY, formed Sunday morning Softball league 1960 and founded Ridgeland Terrace Homeowners Association, now part of Carolyn Park subdivision. Activities and Achievements include: United Fund (today known as United Way, 1970’s; 1986 – 89 Board of Trustees for Metro-wide area United Way, St. Bernard Advisory Council for United Way for 15 years, Co-Founder of Operation Merry Christmas 1983, Chairman of Operation Merry Christmas 1989 – 90; American Red Cross, St. Bernard Chapter, 1985 Chairman for 2 years; 1991 American Red Cross St. Bernard Chapter Volunteer of the Year; Active member of Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard – Arabi for 42 years, Club President in 1978; Kiwanian of the Year twice 1982 and 1992; Advisory Board for the Council on Aging 1990, leading the campaign to construct the new Council on Aging building; Past vice president of the Delgado Alumni Association; Past Chairman of the Elaine P. Nunez Vo-Tech’s School’s Education board for 19 years; Member of St. Bernard Advisory Council Family Service of Greater New Orleans; Past Chairman of St. Bernard Chamber; Co-Chairman of St. Bernard Salutes America July 4 Celebration since 1985; Past Chairman of St. Bernard Society for Crippled Children and Adults, Inc; Member of the St. Bernard Local Emergency Preparations Committee; recipient of the Raul “Bud” Colomb Service Award in 1982 from the St. Bernard Rotary; Outstanding Service Volunteer, United Way Advisory Council, 1989; Recipient of the Bernice B. LeBlanc Public Service Merit Award, St. Bernard Jubilees Carnival Club 1993, Recipient of the Kiwanis Life membership Award, 1995 and the George F. Hixon Fellowship in 1997 from the St. Bernard – Arabi Kiwanis Club; Recipient of the first Community Spirit Award sponsored by Murphy Oil USA 1997. In 2005 He was recognized by the State of Louisiana and Governor Kathleen Blanco for his service to the elderly. In 2013, Mr. Roussel received the ELPHAGE CAILLOUETTE Special Recognition Award. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation and funeral Mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 2320 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA on Thursday, December 14th 2017 beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 1:30PM. A procession will follow the Mass to St. Bernard Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Chalmette, La. 70043. Interment to follow in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens, Chalmette, LA. 70043. Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA. 70124 in charge of arrangements. Floyd Herty, Funeral Director. To view and sign the family guest register, please visit www.greenwoodfh.com .

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