Marcel Louis Marquette, Jr.

Jeanerette – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Marcel Louis Marquette, Jr., 97, will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with a recitation of the rosary at 10:00AM. Inurnment will follow at St. Dorothy Cemetery.

Marcel will be remembered as a gentle, steady presence whose life was defined by love, service, and an unmistakable humor. From an early age, he learned the true meaning of responsibility. After losing his father at a young age, Marcel stepped up without hesitation to help care for his siblings, embracing a role far beyond his years with grace and devotion. That same caring spirit stayed with him throughout his life, especially in the way he lovingly tended to his wife until he simply could no longer do so.

A man who could never sit still, Marcel often joked that he had no idea how he managed to hold a job, since he was somehow even busier in retirement. Whether he was in the garden carefully tending his vegetables, lending a hand where it was needed, or offering his famously witty commentary on just about everything, Marcel filled each day with purpose. He loved watching Jeopardy!, always ready with a guess, a comment, or a laugh that would brighten the room.

Those who knew Marcel will remember his easygoing nature, his knack for making people laugh, and the way he could turn even the simplest moment into something a little lighter. He had a gift for saying just the right funny thing at just the right time.

Faith was an important part of Marcel’s life. He served his church community as a lector and lay minister, offering his voice, time, and heart in service to others.

Above all, Marcel’s life was one of generosity, unwavering care, and the kind of goodness that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

He is survived by two sons, Marcel Marquette, III, and his wife Betty, and Paul Marquette, and his wife Veronique; two daughters, Alice Pillaro and her husband Vincent, and Anne Sinitiere and her husband Mark; nine grandchildren, Anita Watson and her husband Brandon, Donald Chauvin, III and his wife April, Ashley Pillaro and her husband Damon, Courtney Dupre and her husband Adam, Marcel Marquette, IV, Adam Marquette, Haley Romero and her husband Drew, Macie Nelson and her husband Ryan, and Carlee Sinitiere; eleven great-grandchildren, Mia Pillaro, Lily Domingue, John Rouse, George Struble, Stevie Marquette, Amelie Romero, Jameson Romero, Isaac Dupre, Elizabeth Dupre, baby boy Dupre, and baby girl Nelson; a brother, Charles Marquette and his wife Eloise; and two sisters, Gloria Arboneaux and Gay Bourg and her husband Jerry.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Leatrice Derise Marquette; his parents, Marcel Marquette, Sr. and Thelma Vandrell; and two brothers, Gerald Marquette and Robert Marquette.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cindy Picard, Charlotte Dupre, Carlee Sinitiere and all of the caregivers and staff at Heart of Hospice for their dedication, comfort, and support.

Frioux-David Funeral Home of Jeanerette at 400 Provost Street (337) 276-5151 will be handling the arrangements.