John Ranna III

John Ranna III, (73), of New Orleans, Louisiana entered eternal rest on July 8, 2023.

John, lovingly known as Jay to his family and friends was a United States Army Veteran and Master Mechanic for most of his life. He had a passion for art and competitive pool playing. Jay joined his brother-in-law at Barth Bros Inc. as Head Mechanic years ago. He became involved in many projects across the country from mechanical to installation. He became skilled with the artistic pageantry of the industry. He continued his art until the very end. He also enjoyed Saints football games and had a soft spot for dogs. Above all else, Jay was always a loving father and loyal friend. He was the rock in the lives of his children. He was the kind of man that can’t be replaced. With his passing, we have all lost one of the greatest men in and out of New Orleans.

Jay is survived by Vera Ranna (ex-wife), children, Dana Ranna Venezia, Dawn Ranna Harman (Karl), Dianna Ranna Lazaro, John Joseph Ranna, Jamie McAcy Ratcliff (Louis), Jeff McAcy and Julie McAcy. He is also survived by his siblings, James S. Ranna, Terri Ranna Barth (Barry), Toni Ranna Graham, Arnold J. Ranna Sr. (Carolyne), Vincent H. Ranna (Melissa) and Douglas Norris (Melody).  Jay leaves behind his grandchildren, Christina Marie France (Alvin), Fredrick Anthony Doriety (Jessica), Thomas Joseph France IV, Maria Teresa Venezia, Madison Lazaro Ragas (Austin), Sofia Adrianne Venezia, Dominick Giovanni Ranna, Macie Teresa Lazaro, Corbin John Melancon,  Jack Aidan Ratcliff and Nicholas Freire Ratcliff and  great grandchildren, Michael Bryan Ragas, Luna Laila McCall, Josephine Patricia Ragas, John Martin “Mars” Rozier, and Nicholas Christopher Ragas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nickie McAcy (fiancé), sisters Delores Biggs and Gail Tetlow, and his son-in-law Karl Harman. Jay was a Vietnam War Veteran and a true patriot. He carried the pride of his service everyday even until the end.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be held July 23, 2023 at 1414 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, Louisiana, 70005 beginning at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project or the local VA  in memory of John Ranna III.

“Remember Don’t Blink-It goes too quick” -Jay