Philip Mistretta

Philip Joseph Mistretta, Sr, chose not to go gently into that good night, but lived life on his own terms until his last breath on Nov. 20, 2016, not long after celebrating his 65th birthday. Surrounded by loving family and the thoughts of those who could not be there, Philip peacefully left this earth to be with God and to also reunite in celebration with all his loved ones who had gone before him.

Born to Stefano Mistretta, Sr (Ida) and Emma Arena (Philip) (all deceased) on November 1, 1951, Philip was raised in Harahan, Louisiana and later settled down in St. Rose. Philip was a Merchant Marine for a few years and then spent his life working with his hands as a skilled carpenter, specializing in frame-work. It calls to mind a paraphrased quote, “If a man is called to do a job, he should do that job even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should commit to his profession so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great man who did his job well.”  This quote applies to Philip, who was a consummate professional and never one to cut corners. He has left behind a legacy of homes and buildings that will stand long after most of us are gone. Going a step further, he took his love of carpentry and passed that love and knowledge on to others, teaching the trade to anyone who wanted to learn. And since his hands were a means of creative expression, one of his favorite past-times was to design and build Purple Martin bird houses. He’d spend the evening watching the birds sing or dive into a swarm of mosquitos for their dinner. Philip also enjoyed rebuilding engines, Mudding or socializing with friends at Bingo halls. Most knew him as a rugged man, but he also had a sensitive side. He dabbled in poetry and was thrilled when his poems were selected for publication. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He would willingly give the shirt off his back if someone needed it more than he did. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Mistretta, his children, Philip Mistretta, Jr, Doyce “Buster” Phipps III (Tracy), Julie Hansen (Timmy), Belinda Jimenez (Carlos), and step-son, Richard “Rick” Reynolds, grandchildren, Doyce “Ray” Phipps IV, Tyler Dean, Cole Phipps, TJ Hansen, Katelyn Guillory, David Guillory, and Emily Jimenez, his brothers, Stefano Mistretta, Jr, and Philip Arena, his sisters, Judy Nichols (Philip), Trudy Lacour (Barry), and Cathy Peterson (Gary), and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Pamela Chance (Jack), Toni Jo Marchand (Lenny), and Stephanie Thebault (David).

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at St. Rita’s Church in Harahan on December 5, 2016. Visitation is for 11:00 a.m. and Mass at 12 noon. Interment to follow at RestLawn Park Cemetery at 4040 Hwy 90 West, Avondale,Louisiana.