ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: BOSSETTE, JOSEPH 

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, La.

Died Thursday, September 15, 2011

======================================================================= 
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml
======================================================================= 
NOTE: If a Photo is available for an obituary record, a reference note will be
included with the record. 
=========================================================== 

BOSSETTE, JOSEPH 
(August 12, 1927 - September 15, 2011)

==========
A photo is available for this file. Please go to
http://usgwarchives.net/la/sttammany/obits/dateobits/2011/st1109.htm 
and click to view list of photos.
==========

Judge Joseph R. Bossetta (Retired) a life-long resident of the Greater New 
Orleans area, passed away on September 15, 2011. 

Bossetta is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mildred Duffy Bossetta, his seven 
children, Barbara L. Bossetta, Mary Ann Bossetta, Michael J. Bossetta, Sr., 
Bonnie Bossetta Lavie, Patrick R. Bossetta, Kathleen Bossetta Levine and Brian 
J. Bossetta, his 19 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

He is pre-deceased by his parents, Gaspar R. Bossetta and Rachael P. Bossetta.

Born on August 12, 1927, Bossetta graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1942 
at the age of 14 and, like many of his generation, enlisted in the Marine Corps 
at 15. At a time when most teenagers are starting to think about college, Joseph 
R. Bossetta was already a battle-hardened Marine.

As a Forward Observer assigned to the 4th Marine Division in the Pacific 
Theater, Bossetta directed artillery fire on Japanese forces, a task that 
required action beyond enemy lines in order to better obtain coordinates on the 
enemy. Forward Observers were considered high-value targets because of their 
crucial role in calling in the heavy guns.

By warÕs end, Bossetta had fought in such major battles as Roi, Namur, 
Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Shortly after turning 18, 
Bossetta witnessed the official capitulation of Japan. As a member of Task Force 
Thirty-One he participated in the initial landing and occupation of Japan and 
the capture of the HIJMS Nagato, which symbolized the unconditional and complete 
surrender of the Japanese Navy. He later served as a Judge Advocate in the 
Marine Corps Reserve from 1976-1982, retiring with the rank of Major.

Upon returning home from World War II, Bossetta continued his life of public 
service. He was elected to the Louisiana legislature and served as floor leader 
under Governor Earl K. Long.

During his tenure in Baton Rouge, Bossetta conceptualized, drafted and steered 
through the state house the legislation that created LSUNO (now UNO) and SUNO.

After leaving the capitol, Bossetta served as First Assistant District Attorney 
in the Orleans Parish District AttorneyÕs Office and later took on the role of 
acting D.A.

In 1963 Governor Jimmie Davis appointed Bossetta to the judiciary where he would 
serve as judge in the municipal and criminal district courts for more than 25 
years, both in elective and appointive capacities.

During his time on the bench, Bossetta instituted rehabilitation programs for 
offenders addicted to alcohol and drugs and started a clinic for battered women.

After attending Loyola University, Bossetta was admitted to the Louisiana Bar 
Association in 1950 after apprenticing with his father. He maintained a private 
law practice for more than 50 years.

Throughout his career, Bossetta was a staunch ally of the New Orleans Police 
Department donating hours of free legal and legislative counsel as spokesman for 
the Fraternal Order of Police, Crescent City Lodge No. 2. In that role, he 
championed many benefits for the NOPD and also represented the Louisiana BAR 
Pilots Association.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral mass at Mary Queen of 
Peace Catholic Church, 1501 West Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70471 on 
Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:00 PM.

Visitation AT THE CHURCH will begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until mass time.

Graveside services with Military Honors conducted by the United States Marine 
Corp will follow the funeral mass at St. JosephÕs Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River 
Road, St. Benedict, LA (Covington, LA).

===================