Iberia County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....Jennaro, Jr., Vincent A. October 4, 1912
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Mary K. Creamer marykcreamer@yahoo.com July 4, 2017, 3:28 pm

source: New Iberia Enterprise and Independent Observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, October 12, 1912, Image 3

Vincent Jennaro Met Tragic Death Last Friday Night.

Last Friday night, a few hours after the edition of The Enterprise had been 
printed, an alarm of fire was sent in which proved to be the building 
occupied by the Steam Laundry, owned by Mr. H. S. Sealy of this City. When 
the blaze was first discovered, from all appearances the entire floor was in 
aflame and nothing could be done to save the building from being totally 
destroyed. The Fire Department was promptly on the scene and did heroic work 
by saving the adjoining property, though one of their own, Vincent Jennaro, 
the 19 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Jennaro lost his life in performing 
his duty, being crushed to the ground by the heavy smoke stack falling upon 
him, breaking both limbs and dislocating his neck. The unfortunate young man 
was then picked up and brought to Dr. Shaw's office for attention, living 
only a few minutes after the horrible occurrence, spreading consternation 
among the thousands who crowded around the Estorge building to learn whether 
there were any hope for his recovery. The remains were then carefully 
dressed and taken to the home of his devoted relatives when hundreds called 
to express their deep sympathy to the distressed family.

The following evening at two o'clock the funeral was taken in charge by the 
members of Iberia Fire Company of which he was a member and escorted to the 
Catholic church where the funeral services were held in the presence of a 
large number of sympathetic friends and acquaintances and the remains 
interred in St. Peter's cemetery. The family have the deep sympathy of the 
entire community in the loss of their son and brother. Deceased leaves to 
mourn his demise besides his parents, three brothers, Messrs. Louis, Joseph, 
Nucile and two sisters, Miss Josephine and Mrs. Sam R. Garbo, now a resident 
of Opelousas.




RESOLUTIONS BY IBERIA FIRE CO. NO. 1 UPON THE DEATH OF VINCENT JENNARO.

The people of this City were shocked and grieved at the sudden and 
deplorable death which befell Vincent A. Jennaro, in the discharge of his 
duties as a Volunteer Fireman, on Friday night of the past week.

The whole community stood aghast that one so prompt and active in the 
fulfillment of a selfimposed duty, should fall so unconsciously and cruelly 
beneath the staggering blow accompanying this grim messenger of death; and 
this terribly unfortunate occurrence has cast a veil of sorrow and profound 
regret over our entire City. Our people, appreciating the motives that 
prompted this gallant Fireman to render such noble service to his people, 
and on consideration of the appalling circumstances surrounding this 
occurrence, have risen to a full realization of the fact that in his death, 
we have exemplified in full measure the statue of the true hero.

His was not a death encountered amid the pomp and glory of the battle field, 
under the encouraging voice of martial ardor; nor yet was it sacrificed in 
the chivalric defense of family or friend. None of these inspiring motives 
were present or actuated him to jeopardize his life for a soldier's fame or 
a frien's love; but his untimely end, met amid the ravages of fire, in the 
defense of our lives and our property, invests his death with greater glory 
than that that (sic) crowns a soldier's grave or a friend's willing 
sacrifice. Our people will ever hold in grateful remembrance the brave 
service of the lamented Fireman, and will honor and cherish his memory as 
one who gave his life in defense of those he loved to serve, therefore,

Be it resolved by the members of Iberia Fire Co. No. 1, that in the death of 
Vincent A. Jennaro, the Company has lost one of its most faithful and 
energetic members; a fireman ever ready to respond to the call of duty and 
ever willing to assume dangerous risks on behalf of the community - as 
attested by the sacrifice of his life. A friend, generous and true, the 
pleasure and delight of his companions. A son, loving and dutiful, the pride 
and comfort of his family.

Be it further resolved, That copies of these resolutions be spread upon the 
minutesm be given to the press and sent to the bereaved family of the 
lamented Fireman.

C. M. COMPTON,
LOUIS J. BAZUS,
VENTRESS J. SMITH,
Committee.




TRIBUTE TO HIS CHARACTER.

The victim claimed by the conflagration that consumed the New Iberia Steam 
Laundry last Friday, was Vincent Jennaro, young man of exemplary habits and 
great promise.

The pathos of his death, the heartrending grief of his parents cast a gloom 
over the town.

Dying a fireman's death in the discharge of his duty in defence of home and 
property; remembering only duty and fidelity to the motto of his company, he 
displayed the spirit of the martyr, the ardor of the hero. With one foot 
still stepping on the fringe of receding boyhood, and the other foot planted 
on the threshold of expectant, approaching manhood, full of high hopes and 
lofty ambition, the courage, the zeal, the self-forgetfulness that caused 
his untimely demise are the best evidence of nobility of character, his 
manly qualities that the best American citizenship requires.

He belongs to that silent band of noble multitude on whom civilization is 
erected and the faith of brotherhood maintained.

No public demonstration of sorrow, no organized movement of mourning, no tap 
of drums or firing of minute guns is needed to keep his deed, his example of 
sacrifice, permanently planted in public memory.

The spirit that hovers over the hallowed grave will always receive a 
sympathetic response from the public. Neither mother's tears, nor father's 
anguish or brother's wail can improve the lustre of his soul, the light of 
his heart. His wages were earned in sacrifice, the gold of his life coined 
in his heart's blood and his reward received with the grand seal of the 
Lord.

JULES DREYFUS.




OBITUARY.

The entire community deeply sympathize with the family of Mr. and Mrs. A. 
Jennaro in their sorrow caused from the death of their beloved boy - just as 
he was budding into manhood - when everything was beautiful and bright to 
him, but they should console themselves to know their dear brave son was 
battling against the flames to save the property of others, unmindful of 
self when death overtook him. New Iberia should feel proud of this young man 
who gave up his life so unselfishly at the call of duty.

Language is inadequate, we know, to express the feelings of a loved mother 
and father for their dear boys untimely end. He was a bright and dutiful 
son, but the brightest things must fade, the brighter, the fleeter.

This family bowed down now by their great grief for the loss of their loved 
one, should fell when the sands of life run out they can meet him in that 
land "where the roses bud and bloom hereafter in eternal spring."

Words of sympathy are idle, we know - but it should make the hearts of the 
fond parents glad to know their boy was appreciated in the community. Dear 
parents, my heart goes out to you in this the hour of your great affliction. 
There is nothing to equal a mothers love. Bear up under this great trial, 
the great God, the giver of all things, knows best. You have others who will 
look for a mothers love to guide their footsteps along the meandering stream 
of life.

It will only be a few fleeting years when we will have passed away and when 
the last roll is called, we, can meet our loved ones on Gods eternal shore.

T. G. B.




CARD OF THANKS.

We take this means to express our thanks and appreciation to our friends and 
the citizens of New Iberia for all acts of kindness shown to our son and 
brother, Vincent Jennaro, when he met with the unfortuate accident that took 
him from us. Especially do we thank those who sent floral wreaths attesting 
their deep sympathy for us in our trouble.

Respectfully,
Mr. and Mrs. A. Jennaro and Children.


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