Joseph "Joey" Legoria, Jr.

Joseph “Joey” Legoria was a devoted and loving husband, brother, uncle, and son, faithful Catholic, dedicated professor, mentor, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives. For 28 years, Joey had the privilege of doing what he loved most: teaching, mentoring, and helping others find their way.

Joey was devoted to his wife, Mary Legoria, with whom he shared 24 wonderful years of marriage. Joey and Mary also shared a deep love of animals, opening their hearts and home to rescued dogs and cats and giving them the love and security they deserved.

Joey spent 25 years as a professor at the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business, following three years at the MSU College of Business. Teaching was more than a profession to Joey-it was a calling. He genuinely cared about his students, taking pride in mentoring and encouraging them and helping them recognize their potential.

His Catholic faith was another important part of his life. Joey taught the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), helping others learn about and enter the Catholic faith. He approached this ministry with the same patience, warmth, and compassion that defined his life.

Joey had a lifelong passion for LSU football and was proud to play a small role in recruiting student-athletes to LSU. During official visits, he welcomed prospective players, shared his enthusiasm for the university, and helped them see the opportunities awaiting them both in the classroom and beyond. His warmth and genuine interest made him a wonderful ambassador for LSU.

Outside of teaching, church, and family, Joey enjoyed spending time on the golf course. An avid golfer, he loved the game, the outdoors, and the good company of his friend, Kerry Sauley.

Joey’s legacy lives on in the many people he taught, encouraged, welcomed, and influenced. His life was a testament to the difference one person can make by choosing to teach, serve, encourage, and love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 24 years, Mary Flake Legoria, Ph.D; father, Joseph "Joe" Legoria, Sr.; sister Jennifer Legoria Ingraffia & her husband, Roy "Butch"; nephews, Lawrence Ingraffia and Dr. Patrick Ingraffia; niece, Caroline Ingraffia Wisecarver & her husband, Alex; great-nephew, James Wisecarver; step-daughter, Kathryn Fajardo & her husband Manny; aunts, Virginia Legoria Vutera and JoAnn Costa Zeringue; uncle, Frank Legoria; brothers-in-law, Buddy Flake & his wife, Barbara, and Mike Flake; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernadette Costa Legoria; infant sister, Lauren Legoria; and grandparents, Lena & Laurince "Lott" Legoria, and Rosalie "Lillie" & Frank Costa.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 600 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Friday, September 11, 2026, beginning at 8:30 AM until the funeral mass begins at 11:00 AM.

Interment will follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery, Hammond, Louisiana.

Pallbearers for Joey will be Lawrence Ingraffia, Dr. Patrick Ingraffia, Jeff Legoria, John Legoria, David Cavaretta, Victor Pizzolato; and Tony Schillage. Honorary Pallbearers will be Roy Amerson, Benny Latino, David Hester, and Howard Tull. Honorary Pallbeareres will also include LSU faculty members Dana Hollie, Ph.D, Janice Holmes, Padma Kumar Sivadasan, Ph.D, Kerry Sauley, Ph.D, Jared Soileau, Ph.D, and Tommy Phillips, Ph.D.