Leon "Yonkie" Joseph Cognevich Jr.

Leon Joseph “Yonkie” Cognevich, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022 at the age of 85. Father of Timothy Cognevich, Brigette Belair (Charles), Mark Cognevich (Debbie), and Heidi Viator (Carl). Grandfather of Lane Stockstill, Alexandra Belair, Charlie Belair, Ethan Cognevich, and Meghan Viator. Great-grandfather of Ella Stockstill. Brother of Wade Ann Barbazon (Pete). Yonkie is preceded in death by his parents Leon Joseph “Yonkie” Cognevich, Sr. and Freda Buras Cognevich; sister Ethlyn C. Reppel (the late Albert “Rip”); son-in-law Shane Stockstill; and Ms. Rose Young, companion of 13 years. Yonkie is survived by his former wife Sheila Carroll Cognevich and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A limb has fallen from our family tree, “Yonkie” proudly served in the Korean War with the 101st Army Airborne Infantry Division, stationed in Bordeaux, France. Yonkie was employed as a gauger for Getty Oil Company for 35 years, an operator for H&B Construction, and for Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office for over 30 years as a deputy and marine division. A man so full of life and love for all he met. He could enter a room full of people, already knowing half and leave knowing everyone. You either loved him or you moved on. He spoke the truth and did not sugarcoat anything. L.J. loved his friends deeply and his family more. Animals were a way of life for Yonkie, from talking with his pet chickens, to feeding and spoiling dogs and 40 feral cats- were all normal for “The Cat Man” of Buras. Family, friends, hunting, fishing, road running, and quiet evenings on the porch swing or rocker, all gave way to the beautiful culture of his small DTR (Jackass Town) community. Fondly remember Yonkie’s friendship and love by making a sandwich with fresh Bunny Bread, a couple of slices of Schott’s ham and either a Pepsi or Barq’s root beer. Go on a picnic outside, enjoy the beauty of a floating leaf or a bird flitting in the bushes and reminisce- think of his stories and your memories with Yonk. Yonkie would want you to look directly in the eyes of your child, family member or friend and passionately tell them how thankful you are for them, all they do for you and how much you truly love them- love is a such a beautiful, deep emotion that humbles the heart- let it explode with joy as you remember our angel. A special thanks to Dr. Jake Rodi, Bonnie Richard, and Goldie LaCross for their supporting friendship and also Sheila “Mumsy” Cognevich for her unconditional love and support over the years.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 1PM on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 8968 LA-23, in Belle Chasse. Visitation will begin at 9:30AM. Cremation will follow. A memorial graveside service will be held at Westlawn Memorial Park, 1225 Whitney Ave., in Gretna, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Yonkie’s honor to the Wounded Warior’s Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16151&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS22009AAABRXAA&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi9mPBhCJARIsAHchl1wgGWhceBJDyubTMj4cNQSL20TzU8jC5hF1K8EUdNG1VlXNZ6KyEtUaAkGKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds , and/or to St, Jude’s Children’s Research, https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorial-giving