Willis "Bill" Monteleone

Willis "Bill" Monteleone, passed away at his home on September 18. 2023, at the age of 90.

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 18, 1933 to his parents Louise Linder Monteleone Smith and Sam Monteleone who preceded him in death.

He was an amazing man and most who knew him would agree!

Bill is survived by three children, Terri M. Crosby, Gene Richard Monteleone (Emma), and Britt W. Monteleone; a brother, Philip Monteleone; his grandchildren, Tammy, Tricia, Trent, Kaylee, Richard, Vicki, Tara, Cassie and Micah; as well as many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

At an early age, Bill joined the United States Marine Corp.  He married and began working at Schwegmann Brothers in New Orleans when they sold more than groceries.  He moved to Ponchatoula and opened up a successful furniture and appliance store called Montes Furniture and Appliance Store on the main street of Ponchatoula for 23 years.

Bill served with the Ponchatoula Volunteer Fire Department for many years and as a qualified diver he used that for service in law enforcement and recovery when needed.

His true love, his calling, was law enforcement and he proudly served under Sheriff Frank Edwards and Sheriff Eddie Layrisson.  He was a detective for Sheriff Layrisson, and as a good one, was proud of his service.  He retired with nearly 40 years of public service and retired as a Lieutenant but never really lost his love for law enforcement.  He loved helping people!

Bill always wanted to fly an airplane as a child and was determined to become a pilot and he did, taking many friends up in his airplane for their first time which of course brought him joy.

Some words to describe Bill many include Snake Wrestler, Story Teller, Historian, Pilot, and Marine!

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Sam Jr. Monteleone, Carl Monteleone, Marie M. Taylor and Juanita Wells.

Pallbearers will be: Steve Wells, Parker Layrisson, Tyler Carollo, Stephen Perelli, Jeff Joiner and Trent Anthony. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Benny Latino and Russel Pellichino.

Friends and loved one are invited to pay their respects Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 100 W. Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, LA, from 10:00 a.m. until funeral services at 12:00 p.m.  Interment will follow in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond, LA.