Joseph Paul Ranatza, Jr.

Joseph Paul Ranatza, Jr. passed away in his home on March 27, 2026. He was born on April 2, 1944.

Joseph was the true love of his wife, Kitty (Gloria) Otillar Ranatza, for 61 years. He was preceded in death by parents Joseph Paul Ranatza, Sr. and Frances Catalanotto Ranatza; brother Anthony Palmisano; sisters Doris Jean Palmisano and Amelia Schenk; and great-granddaughter Faith Becnel. In addition to his dear wife, Joseph is survived by daughters Dawn Marie Ranatza Camardelle (Danny) and Stephanie Elizabeth Ranatza Becnel (Ricky). Grandad and Honey to Ricky Becnel (Monique), Ryan Becnel, Reid Becnel, Reba Becnel Rhode (Geoffrey), Danica Ranatza Camardelle James (Britt), and Danny Joseph Camardelle, Jr. (Ashley). Great-grandad and Honey to Saxon Becnel IV, Claire Becnel, Anthony Becnel, Emma Becnel, Joseph Becnel, Ryan Becnel, Jr., Stella Camardelle, Sophia Camardelle, Brant Ranatza James, Calvin Joseph James, and Gianna Rhode. Also survived by many nieces and nephews of whom he is proud. Joseph loved his family unconditionally.

Joseph was a teacher at Belle Chasse High and Middle for 20 years. He always enjoyed seeing his former students;  many had special places in his heart. But farming was always his love. Co-Owner of Star Nursey, Joseph never considered farming work. When you love what you do -it is never work. “It is not the going in but the coming out that counts,” he would often say, and he certainly lived a long and happy life based on his life lessons and experiences.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joseph’s Visitation on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse, LA from 10:30 am to 1 pm; his Funeral Mass will begin at 1 pm and he will be interred at Westlawn Cemetery in Gretna, LA thereafter. Mothe Funeral Homes entrusted with funeral arrangements.