Gary Joseph Callais Sr., a native and resident of St. Bernard, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the age of 83. Gary was born on April 6, 1937, and raised in St. Bernard Parish, where he wore many hats throughout is his life. He was a fur trapper, shrimper, oysterman, plumber/ pipefitter, house builder and a business owner, successfully establishing and running Callais’ Food Store with his late wife Jean. Gary taught his two sons, Alvin and Gary, to hunt, fish and play sports. He along with other dedicated parents, re-established Kenilworth Ball Park in the early 1970’s where he coached baseball and drove his players to each and every game in the back of his 66’ Red Chevy Pickup. In his earlier years he was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoying the bounty of wildlife in the wooded and marsh areas of St. Bernard. He was quick-witted and always had a joke to tell. He was good with numbers, an avid card player, loved the race horse track and frequent trips to Las Vegas. By his side, every step of the way, was the love of his life, Jean. They were never apart. When not working or going to the race track, they would entertain all of their grandchildren every summer taking them to the zoo, aquarium, movies, water park and having them over for their annual mamaw and papaw summer mini-camp. Gary loved his family, sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gary is survived by his two sons, Alvin Joseph (Lori) and Gary Joseph, Jr. (Cheryl Gross); brother-in-law, Johnny Robino (Donna); and sister-in-law, Irma “Liz” Callais. He had six grandchildren Kerri Callais (Franklin), Amanda Callais, Josh (Heather), Kaitlyn Stafford (Hunter), Jenna Snyder (William) and Tori; and eight great-grandchildren, Maci, Josh Jr., Mia, Oliva, Gunner, DJ, Dominic and Levi James. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Jeannette Robino Callais; father, Ead Callais; mother Odelia LaFont Dupree; stepfather Aubin Dupree; stepmother Cecile Callais; sister Irma Melerine and two brothers, Lloyd Callais and Aubin Dupree Jr. We would like to thank the staff at East Jefferson Hospital for the excellent care they provided to our father. We would also like to thank the staff at St. Margaret’s at Mercy Nursing Home in New Orleans for the love, care and attention that they provided to our father during his final days on this earth. Relatives and friends attended a visitation followed by a funeral service in Gary’s memory at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Thursday, October 22, 2020. He will be laid to eternal rest with his beloved wife, Jean, in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, 2805 Bayou Road, in St. Bernard, LA. Due to COVID-19, face masks and social distancing are required. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com.
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