Gerard "Jerry" Carl Massa

Jerry was born on December 19, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Edgar A Massa and Hilda Balser Giordano. Along with his mother, Jerry was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Carrie Balser McLaughlin and Louis J. McLaughlin. Jerry lived a long and fulfilling life marked by dedication to his family, an unwavering work ethic, and a passion for preserving memories.

Jerry began his early life serving his country as a Korean War Veteran in Okinawa and was honorably discharged after four years of service as SSgt in the United States Air Force before transitioning into civilian life. He worked as a traveling salesman for International Harvester, a role that took him across the region. As his family grew, he sought a more grounded lifestyle and purchased a Phillips 66 gas station near his home. It was there that he formed a lasting business partnership and friendship with Aaron Barker.

Always eager for new ventures, Jerry enrolled at Dunkin’ Donuts University and opened the first franchise of its kind in the area with Aaron. The business flourished under their leadership. Later, Jerry and Kathy sold the franchise to open Lakewood Bakery on Harrison Avenue in Lakeview—a beloved neighborhood bakery that quickly became a local favorite.

Eventually relocating to Slidell, Jerry and Kathy continued their entrepreneurial spirit by opening Kathy’s Just Desserts. The couple poured their hearts into the bakery, working more than sixteen hours a day to build another successful family-run business.

Jerry is survived by Kathy, his loving wife of 46 years; his daughters Terri Troxclair (Scott), Toni Baldini (Richard), Geri Massa, Amanda McGraw (Michael), and his son Jason Massa (Rebecca). He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Zack Troxclair, Korey Clement, Tana Guillot, Justin Massa, Keira Massa, Isabelle Comeaux, Amber Massa, Addalay McGraw, Presley Massa, and Toby Massa. He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren to cherish his memory: Oliver Guillot, Kaleb Clement, Payton Clement, Dawsyn Guillot, and one more Guillot on the way in September.

Outside of work and family life, Jerry was an avid antique collector with a deep appreciation for history. He loved gardening and staying active around the house. After retiring from the bakery business, he found joy in baking at home and organizing old photographs into albums—a personal archive of the many chapters of his life. He also collected memorabilia from restaurants and events he attended over the years. Jerry remained closely connected to childhood friends from South Cortez Street in New Orleans and often shared vivid stories about his early years with remarkable detail.

Those who knew Jerry remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived by the values of honesty and hard work. His tireless dedication to providing for his family left an enduring legacy that will be cherished for generations.

Jerry will be laid to rest at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, Louisiana, after a private service with the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made “in honor of Gerard C. Massa” to any of the following charities that he has supported throughout his life:

1. Disabled American Veterans; www.dav.org; P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250; (877) 647-VETS.

2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; www.stjude.org; 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; (800) 805-5856

3. Tunnel to Towers; https://t2t.org; 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; (718) 987-1931

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved him.