John Joseph “Hoot” Gauthier, age 78, a resident of Cottonport

John Joseph “Hoot” Gauthier, age 78, a resident of Cottonport, LA for the past 10 years and a longtime resident of St. Bernard Parish, passed away at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, under hospice care on March 2, 2016.  Hoot was one of the best Thoroughbred Horse Handicappers you would have ever met.  He participated in many of the tournaments held in Las Vegas and Reno…he even named his 4 legged companion, Reno.  Retired from Alcatel-Lucent Technologies, (formerly Western Electric), he was a member of C.W.A, a past officer of St. Bernard Jaycees, Navy Reserves and a member of the Italian Marching Club.
Survived by his wife, Carolyn Arcana Gauthier for 58 years.  Preceded in death by his parents, Silvio Gauthier and Bella Landry Gauthier, and one brother Donald Gauthier.  Loving father of Andre Smith (Jeff Bell), Cheryl Perez (Cook), Diane Powell (Kenny) and Guy Gauthier, Sr. (Pam). 
Devoted grandfather of Stephanie Appel (Eddie), Courtney Perez (Eddie), Lainie Smith, Jim Perez, Ross Perez, Desireé Powell, Reneé Powell, Ashlynn Gauthier, Guy Gauthier, Jr., Corey Gauthier and 5 extra loving great grandchildren, Eddie Perez III, Olivia Appel, E.J. Appel, Paisley Perez and Brantley Duhon.
John will be missed dearly by family and friends he was so close with over the years.  Nevertheless, the characteristics that defined him were faith, kindness, friendships, generosity, strength and love will remain alive in the hearts and minds of those who have been loved by him. John will be missed by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Memorial Service at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 306 St. Mary St., Madisonville, LA on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am followed by Mass beginning at 12:00 noon.  A private burial will take place at a later time.  Condolences can be sent at serenitycovington.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Covington, LA.