Jimmy Maricelli

A private funeral service for Jimmy Maricelli, 90, was held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 10 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Brother Jason Womack officiating. Interment followed at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. Mr. Maricelli was born Aug. 14, 1926, in Clarence and passed away March 6, 2017, at his home in Clarence surrounded by his loving family. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Jimmy will be remembered as a mechanic in Clarence at his business "Jimmy's Garage and 24 hr. Wrecker Service", and also for his deep love for animals, especially dogs. Jimmy owned and operated his garage for over 40 years. He was musically gifted and could play the piano by ear just like Jerry Lee Lewis. He could also play the harmonica but would only play for family. His family will remember him forever as a strong man who worked hard to provide for them. His grandchildren remember "Granddaddy" as a tough and hardworking man who could make them laugh, and allowed them to do things they were not supposed to do, in typical grandfather fashion. Jared was his "Moose", Jason was his "Frog", and Kristin was his "Pretty Girl". Anywhere he knew there were dogs not being taken care of he would go out of his way to make sure they were fed. After he retired he was known in Clarence as the "Clarence Dog pound". He truly was one of a kind and will be loved and missed by all who knew him. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sidney and Lola Tooley Maricelli; son, Ralph Maricelli; sisters, Ruby Maricelli Alday and husband Edwin and Lorena Maricelli Daigle and husband John; and brother, Joseph Sidney "Chus" Maricelli Jr. and wife Millie. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Faith Maricelli of Clarence; son Freddy and wife Karen of Natchitoches; daughter, Denise Maricelli of Clarence; brother, Ed Maricelli and wife Iona of Dangerfield, Texas; three grandchildren, Kristin Dupree and husband Ben; Jared Maricelli and wife Nicole; Jason Maricelli and wife Alexis; five great-grandchildren, Reagan, Michael, Kinsley, Zane, Emerson, and one due in October; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed Maricelli, 85, the only living sibling of Jimmy recalls numerous memories of him and "Jim" growing up together. They loved each other and had a unique relationship in later years that only brothers can understand. Honored to serve as pallbearers were Jared Maricelli, Jason Maricelli, Dennis Maricelli, Jeff Maricelli, Mike Maricelli, and Ben Dupree. The family expresses their thankfulness to Hospice of Natchitoches and Dixie Medical Equipment in Winnfield.