Dr. Carmelo Astilla

On January 8, 2019, Dr. Carmelo Astilla passed away at the age of 78. Carmelo was born in the city of Cebu in the Philippines on October 10, 1940. Carmelo is survived by his loving family, wife Nelia, son Gene, daughter Gina and daughter in law Janella. He was the son of the late Agripino Astilla and the late Isidra Esmerald Astilla, and brother to sibilings, the late Fernando Astilla, Fenita Astilla Camacho, Sonia Astilla Tablan, Manuel Astilla, Marling Astilla Valen and the late Ernesto Astilla. In 1950, Carmelo emigrated to the United States with his family and settled in the city of Gretna, Louisiana. He graduated from Redemptorist High School, and afterward, attended Louisiana State University where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in history. He became a professor at Southern University at New Orleans where he taught US and Latin American history for 42 years, served as Chairman of the Social Sciences department, and published many scholarly articles. Carmelo was also very active in the Filipino American community in Louisiana. He served as member and was president of the Philippine American United Council of Louisiana and one of the founding organizers of the Philippine American Sports Association of New Orleans. His passionate research and work with the Filipino Historical Society helped establish the landmark for the Manila Village in Lafitte, documenting early Filipino Americans and their contributions to Louisiana. Out of all of his roles, being a family man was probably his most cherished. Carmelo was a fun loving husband, father, uncle and friend, who could always be counted on. His generous nature, sense of humor, honor, compassion and willingness to help his fellow man will be long remembered by many, especially to the young people he mentored. He truly was a man for others.
Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 7040 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 11 AM. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA. Visitation will be held in the parlor from 9 AM until 11 AM.