Joseph G. "Rod" Maricelli

Joseph G. “Rod” Maricelli of Shreveport, Louisiana, died on October 19, 2023, following a battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 69 years old.

Born on May 24, 1954, in Natchitoches to Charles and Jean Maricelli, Rod graduated from St. Mary’s High School and Northwestern State University before marrying Anita Abraham, his own girl next door (or in their case, his girl across the street). Rod and Anita were married for 47 years. 

After Rod retired as an Executive Vice President with City Bank in 2012, he moved to Shreveport where he and Anita were active members of the University Church of Christ. The two spent many hours planning and fulfilling travel dreams, teaming up to create a family cookbook with Rod serving as self-appointed chief taste-tester, volunteering at church, and enjoying time with friends, family, and neighbors. Anyone who received an email from Rod was reminded of his and Anita’s love for motorcycles when they scrolled to his automatic signature: “It’s all about the ride.”

While Rod would not want to be unnecessarily complimented, no one could argue what a determined husband and father he was, carefully planning and sacrificing to ensure his family’s well-being. He was excellent with numbers and was thrilled to have passed those skills along to his son, often marveling to friends about “how fast Michael could run a budget in his head.”

Rod is survived by his wife Anita, his son Michael (Rebekah), his sister Lyn Owens (David), and many in-laws. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jean Maricelli.

Pallbearers will be John Bernard, Brett Brunson, Jimmy Harper, Darrell Hickman, Steve McQueen, and Joe Pierson, Jr. 

Honorary pallbearers are Willie Bice, Bill Cross, Guy Fletcher, Bubba Michael, and Ronnie Planchard.

Since his diagnosis, Rod has been missed by those who knew and loved him. The family sends thanks to many special people, including the entire University Church of Christ family, for years of friendship and encouragement. In addition, the family is indebted to Libby Kirkpatrick and Katie Baxter at The Glen Memory Care Cottages, who dedicated countless hours not only to Rod’s care, but also to Anita’s well-being. 

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, Oct. 23 from 5-8 p.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.  Rod will be buried in Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. In lieu of flowers, Rod requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.