SCELFO

Joseph Bernard Scelfo passed away Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Born March 19, 1924, Joe (as all of his friends knew him) was 88 years old.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Lillie M. Scelfo. They have two children, John W. Scelfo of Spokane, Wash., and Marilyn J. Scelfo of Baton Rouge. John is married to the former Diane Strahan and they have two sons, John Bradley Scelfo of San Francisco, Calif., and Jason Scott Scelfo of Spokane. Brad and his wife, Amy, have two sons, Taylor and Teddy. Scott and his wife, Emily, have three children, Mia, Max and Kate. Joe is also survived by a younger brother, Bernard Scelfo of New Iberia and 19 nephews and nieces.

A native of Bogalusa, Joe was a veteran of WWII. He and Lillie have been faithful members of First Baptist Church for 45 years. One of Joe’s greatest passions was teaching a Sunday school class, which he did for 55 years. He firmly believed those who were sick or shut-in should not only be visited but should also be nurtured with kindness and compassion. His other passion was fishing for white perch. Even as his memory started to fail, he could still tell you under which tree he caught fish and who his fishing buddy was at the time. Joe was the consummate role model for his family and for all of those he touched.

Visitation will be held Monday, Jan. 28 at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Viewing will be on Tuesday at First Baptist Church from 12 p.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m., officiated by Pastor Bob Adams. Graveside services will be held at Ponemah Cemetery immediately following.