Gerard Anthony Delatte Little Rock Ar Obituary
Society News – Rebellion Research
Gerard Anthony Delatte, Sr. Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gerard Anthony Delatte, Sr., fondly known as “Jerry,” of Little Rock, on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on June 9, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jerry was the son of Richard Louis Delatte, Sr., and Helen Estelle Olivieri Delatte. He grew up in the vibrant Irish Channel neighborhood, where his love for the Crescent City began and lasted throughout his life. Jerry cherished every visit back “home.”
Jerry graduated from Redemptorist High School in 1962 and then served in the United States Army Reserve for over six years. He began his professional journey at Lykes Brothers Steamship Company as a customs manager, inspecting incoming ships and their cargo. His career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Edible Oils and Commodities division of Swift and Company, launching a distinguished 40-plus-year career in the industry. Known as the “Greaseman,” the “Rice Don,” and the “SuperSalesman,” Jerry became a legend in sales.
Jerry’s relentless drive for success and knowledge took his family across the country, from New Orleans to Ohio, Kansas, Texas, Illinois, and finally, Stuttgart, Arkansas. Moreover, highly regarded in his field. Thus, culminating in his role as Senior Vice President of Domestic Business at Riceland Foods, Inc., from which he retired in 2010.
In 1965, a chance encounter at lunch led Jerry to meet Cynthia Marie Vidrine, the love of his life. Captivated by her beauty, they married a year later, sharing over 58 years of love, commitment, and laughter.
Jerry’s family was his pride and joy. He loved hearing and retelling stories of his children’s and grandchildren’s adventures, reliving their successes with immense pride. His robust sense of humor and infectious laugh endeared him to many. Jerry was also an avid marksman, gun collector, hunter, fisherman, golfer, and LSU Tigers fan. He meticulously cared for his yard and vehicles and delighted in barbecuing for his family.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Cynthia; son, Gerard “Jay” Anthony Delatte, Jr. (Deborah) of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Karen Delatte Spruell (Martin) and Aimee Delatte Shelby (Michael), both of Little Rock; grandchildren, Jenna, Jordan, and Jason Delatte, Hanna and Joshua Fry, Halaina and Hudson Spruell, and Porter, Jack, and Matthew Shelby; sister, Mary Agnes Chatelain of Tampa, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Helen Catherine Delatte and Richard Louis Delatte, Jr.; sister-in-law, Patricia Kerrigan Delatte; and brother-in-law, Gerald B. Chatelain.
Furthermore, a memorial rosary will become held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 2 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 3 p.m.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and medical staff who provided loving care to Jerry over the years. Furthermore, his memory will forever become cherished by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Transportation fund at Carelink, www.carelink.org or Christ the King Catholic Church, www.ctklr.org. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
Gerard Anthony Delatte Little Rock Ar Obituary
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