Ronald Judice

Published 1:45 pm Wednesday, February 11, 2015

It is with an extremely heavy heart and very deep sadness, that we announce the death of a beloved husband, father, educator, friend and mentor.

Ronald Michael Judice, 71, affectionately known as “Ronnie,” went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 9, 2015, at 6:30 a.m. at Dautrieve Hospital in New Iberia.

Relatives, friends, former students, faculty and staff of both Delcambre High School and New Iberia Senior High School, members of the Krewe of Andalusa and the Krewe of Eden as well as the Mystical Krewe of Iberians are invited to attend the wake and visitation, which will take place on Friday, February 13, 2015, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 9 a.m. until service time at The Acadian Funeral Home, 802 Weldon Street, New Iberia.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at 2 p.m. at The Acadian Funeral Home with a private family burial to follow. The services will be conducted by Deacon Patrick Burke of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia, his friend and teaching colleague, Steven Stansbury and his son-in-law Jack Franks II.

Ronnie is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of over 48 years, Stephenie Ann Fortier Judice, of New Iberia; his mother, Audrey Miguez Fletcher, of Lake Arthur; his three beloved daughters Rachel J. Massey and her husband, Chris, of Lafayette, Rhonda J. Landry and her husband, Deon, of Baton Rouge and Stephenie J. Franks and her husband, Jack, of Lafayette. Ronnie is also survived by five grandchildren Brett Massey and his fiancée Chealsey Carter of St. Martinville, Nicholas Massey and Eric Massey of Lafayette, Jackson Landry of Baton Rouge and Emery Franks of Lafayette. In addition to his grandchildren, he is survived by his great-grandchildren Carson Massey, Amelia Massey and another great-grandchild soon on the horizon. Ronnie also leaves to cherish his brothers-in-law Gene Fortier and his wife, Peggy, of Lafayette, Peter Fortier and his wife, Karen, of Houston; and a sister-in-law Eugenie F.Schellstede and her husband, Herman, of New Iberia. Ronnie is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was a go-getter from the very beginning of his life. After high school graduation, he took on odd jobs in order to pay for his college education. While in college at USL, which is now UL Lafayette, he participated in a number of theatrical productions at Burke Theatre. He was actively involved in the drama club and spent most of his time on stage. It was during that same time that he met Stephenie Ann, the love of his life. From that point on, his life became worth living. He graduated from USL with a bachelor’s degree in commercial art in 1966. That same year, he became an educator with the Iberia Parish School System and eventually became certified to teach art. He began his teaching career at Delcambre High School for his first two years. He then accepted a teaching position at New Iberia Senior High School, where he spent 45 wonderful years. Ronnie was instrumental in creating the art department at NISH. In addition to teaching art classes, he was the drama team sponsor and graduation coordinator. Regardless of what hats he wore at NISH, he did such with compassion, unselfishness and pride for his school and the students he educated. While at NISH, Ronnie was the head of the art department until he retired in 2011. He spent countless hours at NISH producing and coordinating a multitude of school musicals, along with fellow NISH teacher, Helen Hodge, throughout the years. Yes, Ronnie was a perfectionist, and he expected his students to perform at their very best each and every time, and not just on a temporal basis. He was regarded as a first class mentor to many students who have moved on to worthwhile careers such as physicians, attorneys, artists, musicians and actors. It is difficult to find someone who was not taught by Ronnie in New Iberia. One of his goals in life was to become an actor. He had the privilege of fulfilling that goal, as he was cast as an extra in the movie, ”The Drowning Pool”, staring Paul Newman in 1975, during which time he had the honor of meeting Mr. Newman in person.

In addition to being an educator, Ronnie had God-given talent in this world, the work of his hands and the mind of a genius. Ronnie was an accomplished artist on canvas, using watercolor, acrylic and oil. Many of his pieces of work were displayed at many museums throughout the State of Louisiana. Still to this day, people can view his art in restaurants, churches, schools and doctor’s offices. He was passionately involved in Mardi Gras, especially in productions. He spent countless hours designing and constructing elaborate costumes, headpieces, collars and crowns for Mardi Gras tableaus all over Louisiana and in Washington, D.C., specifically the Krewe of Louisiana Mardi Gras, held in our nation’s Capitol. Several of the pieces Ronnie designed and produced are still in use today, thanks to his creativity and zeal for quality. He also served proudly on the Board of Directors of the Krewe of Andalusa in New Iberia for many years. Ronnie was also proud to be chosen to serve as the first King of the Krewe of Eden in 2008. He also was a past member of the Mystical Krewe of Iberians and the Krewe du Fou, all of which he was the life of the party.

Ronnie lived life to the fullest. Regardless of the many jobs and struggles he had to undertake throughout his life, he kept his family first and foremost in his life. His greatest joy was to see his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow into productive individuals. If need be, he would be willing to give you his very last dime or the shirt off of his back. That was his character, and he was proud to be that kind of person in society. Without a shadow of a doubt, Ronnie will be sadly missed by all who knew him. In our hearts, you will live forever.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his biological father, Joseph Judice; his grandmother, Lillian Miguez; and his grandfather, Alfred Miguez; as well as his stepfather Howard Emery Fletcher.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ronnie’s name to his favorite charity Angel Paws Adoption Center, 1314 Troy Road, New Iberia, LA 70563, 365-1923.

Arrangements are entrusted to The Acadian Funeral Home, 802 Weldon Street, New Iberia, LA 70560.