Ernest J. Maggiore

Ernest J. Maggiore, 78, of Jennings passed away surrounded by his three daughters on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at 7:30 a.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Miguez Funeral Home, located at 114 E. Shankland Ave. in Jennings, on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, from 1-4 p.m. where the family looks forward to sharing your memories.

Interment will be a private ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

Ernest was reared in Norco. His father was a chief security officer at the Shell Oil Refinery and his mother, a doctor’s assistant. He graduated from Destrehan High School in 1961 and then attended Louisiana State University, majoring in industrial arts education and playing football for the Fighting Tigers. He was a member of the legendary LSU defense, the Chinese Bandits, most notably ’63-’65. Although his Tiger team lost to Baylor in the Bluebonnet Bowl of 1963, they went on to beat Syracuse in the 1964 Sugar Bowl and Arkansas in the 1965 Cotton Bowl. But he was so much more.

After meeting Cheryl Holston her freshman year at LSU, they later married in March of 1966, and Ernest graduated with a B.S. in industrial arts education in May of that same year. Eventually moving to Jennings, Cheryl’s hometown, Ernest signed a teaching contract for 1967-1968 with Welsh High School to teach driver’s training and be an assistant coach. During these early years, he coached numerous football squads around the Jennings area, causing many headaches and frequent equipment malfunctions. Ernest moved from education to open a Radio Shack in Jennings, where records and albums were sold right along with radios and tires. He then went to work for his father-in-law, Charles Holston, where he drove vacuum trucks, ran dispatch, managed the drivers and yards and eventually moved into the role of safety director. But he was so much more.

In the 70s, he loved his CB radio. His call sign was Chewbacca and he would drive with the handset lying across his left shoulder so he could listen to the chatter. In the middle of the front seat was a spittoon – a completely gross container, becoming more disgusting if he slammed on his brakes or took a corner too quickly. In the 80s, he reaped terror on the New Mexico slopes, screaming down the mountain, knocking slower skiers left and right. He resembled a grizzly bear in his brown ski suit, topped with his cowboy hat and cigar. He wasn’t really skiing; he was literally falling the entire way down.

Ernest could often be found watching his daughters’ sporting events from the sidelines or a doorway, wearing his cowboy hat and boots. When it was still allowed, that getup would include the cigar.

Beginning in 2000, his first grandson provided the opportunity for him to become involved in Scouts; and he loved every minute of it from Cubmaster to Assistant Scoutmaster to Lodge Adviser. He was honored with many awards, but the most fitting was the Vigil name “Allouchsit Witatschimoisin,” which translates to Mighty Adviser. But he was so much more.

Ernest was a man of many talents – chicken hatching, archery, singing, dancing, painting, sketching, whittling – creating his own “board of education” for his grandchildren, upon which names and dates were written. He was a lover of electronics, carpentry, and just all-around handyman. He was the predecessor to “Alexa, how do you …” and received many phone calls beginning with “Hey, I need your help.” He was an expert in light bulbs and could spout off the specifics of any wattage necessary. He would tinker with any broken electronic device and, sometimes even those that weren’t. He was a jackof-all-trades and master of many. But he was so much more.

He was a patient father and grandfather, soft-hearted with a rough exterior. His eyes would twinkle when he had a sarcastic comment brewing; and his smile and laughter were contagious, the biggest in any room. He had the most amazing sideburns, mustaches, and goatees this side of the Mississippi; and only once dared to go bare-faced as his youngest daughter didn’t recognize him. You might have known him by Coach, Ernie, Big Erne, Maggie Jo, Mr. Maggiore, or Pop; but to us, he was Daddy and Poppa.

He is survived by his three daughters and spouses, Lanette and Steven Cobb of New Orleans, Eileen and Ted Whiting of Houston, Texas, and Kara and James Monvoisin of Jennings; seven grandchildren, Phoenix Maggiore (Lanette), Amber Whiting (Eileen), Trevor Maggiore (Kara), Zachary Whiting (Eileen), Wyatt Lejeune (Lanette), Grant Lejeune (Lanette), and Reese Monvoisin (Kara); older brother August Maggiore of Picayune, Miss.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl Holston Maggiore of Jennings, and his parents, Johnny and Jennie Maggiore of Norco.

In lieu of flowers, his daughters invite you to honor his life by contributing to the Ernest Maggiore Memorial “Bandit” Award, recipients to be a male and female graduating athlete who demonstrates tenacity, toughness, competitiveness, teamwork and integrity during their time at Jennings High School. This award will be to support their post-graduation dreams, whatever they may be. Donations can be made to Jeff Davis Arts Council, P.O. Box 1069, Jennings, LA 70546 (Ref: Ernest Maggiore Memorial).

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.miguezfuneralhome.com.