Charles D. “Charlie” Viccellio, a descendant of four pioneer Lake Charles families, passed away at home on March 1, 2023 surrounded by his family. Born on July 8, l933, he was a 1951 graduate of Lake Charles High School. He received his LLB Degree in 1957 from Tulane University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Phi honorary fraternities.
A lawyer with the firm of Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements and Shaddock LLP, he served as Managing Partner for many years, retiring after 57 years of active practice. He held a lifetime membership in both the Louisiana Bar Foundation and American Bar Foundation, was President of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, and was Director of the Louisiana State Bar Association. He also utilized his legal training in service of the United States Army Reserve for eight years, attaining the rank of Captain.
Charlie was active in his community and volunteered with numerous religious, charitable, and civic organizations. He served on the School Board of St. Louis Catholic High School, was a member of the Serra Club of Lake Charles, and was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Charles and a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was a faithful member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where he was baptized, confirmed, married, and served as a Eucharistic Minister.
He served as President of the Chamber/Southwest Louisiana and received its Civic Service Award in l990. He served as a Director and Chairman of the Board of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and Director and President of the Greater Lake Charles Water Company. Charlie was also the President of the Lake Charles Symphony, Family and Youth Counseling Agency, Sowela Area Council of Campfire Girls, and a sixty (60) year member of the Kiwanis Club of Calcasieu. He was a Commissioner of 911 for many years, a Director and President of the Lake Charles Cemetery Association, Ltd., Director and Vice President/Secretary of CKX Lands, Inc., and a Director and Advisory Director of the McNeese State University Foundation.
A director of the original Board of the Krewe of Contraband, he was honored as the Krewe’s King in 2001, and he was honored to serve as King of the Krewe of Mystique in l999.
Charlie’s maxim was to live by the “Do Right Rule,” which he passed on to his family, law firm, and all those with whom he came into contact. Well known for his sense of humor and infectious laugh, he loved a good party and a glass of champagne. He was an avid reader of multiple newspapers and was rarely seen without a newspaper is his hands or within reach. An enthusiastic fan of McNeese, LSU, Tulane and Saints football, game days always saw him wearing the appropriate baseball cap of each team for good luck. He is remembered fondly for his inclination to chew ice, his smile when presented with a chocolate cake or a chocolate frosty, and his love for (loud) classical music.
Charlie was a loving and doting husband, father, and grandfather. He met, and married in short order, the love of his life, best friend, and travel partner, Joanna, always holding her hand and never leaving or returning home without a kiss. He was present and involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, always offering a warm touch – or occasionally a stern word as needed – and never missing a function or activity in which they were involved.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Joanna Steele Viccellio; his son, Steele Viccellio (Jennifer) of West Virginia; his daughters, Sue Gay Viccellio (Jan Fitzsimmons); and Joy V. Shearman (Tom) of Lake Charles; granddaughter, Emily Breaux Pettaway (Matt); grandsons, Spencer, Anthony, Nicholas and Vincent Viccellio; and great-grandson, Bond Pettaway. He is also survived by seven bonus grandchildren and ten bonus great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Tell Viccellio and Edith Collette Viccellio; his sister, Gay Collette Viccellio; his mother-in-law, Anaice Theriot Steele; and his grandparents, Ida King Collette and Joseph Harris Collette, Jr.; and Bertha Schindler Viccellio and Adolph Joseph Viccellio, Sr.
Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Lake Street from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, March 6, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Very Reverend Edward Richard, MS, V.F and the Very Reverend Ruben Buller. V.G. will concelebrate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Louis High School Foundation, 1620 Bank Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601; the McNeese State University Foundation, P. O. Box 91989, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70609; the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, P.O. Box 1029, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70602; or the charity of one’s choice.
The family extends its special thanks to the LeeAnna Stevens Caregivers, especially Darla, Tina and Christus St. Patrick Hospice, especially Bailey Johnson.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.