Arnold Truxillo

After a brief illness and stay in hospice care, Arnold Joseph “Joe” “Trux” Truxillo transitioned from this world on September 3, 2014 at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis Truxillo and Dorothy Ragas Truxillo. He is survived by a maternal aunt Isabel Ragas Crais of Slidell and three maternal first cousins: Sandra Burke of Page, Arizona, Mary McKenna of Slidell and Robert Crais of Metairie. In addition, his passing is mourned by numerous other relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Joe was born in New Orleans but lived in Chalmette for 40 years until Hurricane Katrina  when he returned to New Orleans.  Joe attended St. Joseph’s Seminary for two years and completed his degree at  LSUNO where he received his teaching credentials. Following graduation, he taught in the New Orleans public schools for a number of years and later began a career with the Louisiana  Workforce Commission where he assisted numerous persons with their unemployment benefits and other workforce issues. He retired from the Commission in 2002. As a volunteer, Joe served as chairman of the New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council during a period of chaotic times in HIV/AIDS funding in the City of New Orleans and the Region. He was an advocate for changes in the restructuring of how the City of New Orleans administered its federally funded HIV/AIDS program. Much of the restructuring that took place under his chairmanship continues after 20 years. He was an avid sports fan and coached municipal softball teams for several years.  He loved Mardi Gras and was  a past King of Shangri La and a horseman for many years with the Krewe of Babylon. Joe could often be seen holding lively conversations, enjoying a glass of scotch and smoking one of his many pipes.

A celebration of his life and memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.

Donations in his memory are requested to be made to the NO/AIDS Task Force by calling 504-821-2601 Ext 256, or visiting their website at www.noaidstaskforce.org.