RSS Feed

July 19, 1943 – March 20, 2019
Arnold J. “A.J.” Hidalgo III, a lifetime resident of Franklin, passed away at the age of 75 on March 20, 2019, at Franklin Foundation Hospital. A.J., was born on July 19, 1943, graduated from Hanson Memorial High School, Class of 1962 and enlisted in the United States Air Force that same year. While serving his Country, he married Patty Lou Boudreaux and after a tour of duty in the Vietnam Theater, the couple returned and made Franklin their home.
A.J. was a “jack of all trades”. He was a carpenter-contractor, worked in the shipyards building and finishing the interior of the boats, owned multiple small businesses and owned and operated a backhoe service. For the past 18 years, because of a debilitating stroke, he’s been a resident of the Patterson and Franklin Health Care Centers.
Family members that he leaves to remember him are his wife of 54 years, Patty Lou Boudreaux Hidalgo; two daughters, Jodi H. Businelle and her husband Mark, and Beth H. Rodriguez and her husband Gerard, four grandsons, Dane B. Robison and his wife Lauren, Casey J. Robison and his wife Telah, Andrew P. Rodriguez and his wife Stephanie, and Matthew P. Rodriguez; seven great grandchildren, Emmy, Ella and Ava Robison, Brynn and Sami Robison, and Julia and Beau Rodriguez; his siblings, Don and Danny Hidalgo, Peggy H. Supple, and June H. Thibodaux; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, A.J. Hidalgo, Jr. and Alice Landry Hidalgo; a brother, Charles M. Hidalgo; and an infant granddaughter, Ellen Elizabeth Rodriguez.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Assumption on Friday, March 22, 2019, with Father William Ruskoski as the Celebrant for the Mass and Father Oneil Landry con-celebrating. A gathering of family and friends was held from 10:30 a.m. until Mass time, with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 11:30 a.m. In keeping with his wishes, following the Mass he was cremated with private graveside services at a later date.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

St. Mary Parish AARP Chapter 4435 held its monthly meeting on March 11 at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, home of St. Mary AARP, in Morgan City. Prior to the meeting, members and guests were entertained with dance music from 4-5:30 p.m. followed by bingo.
The meeting and meal sponsor was Urgent Care of Morgan City. Attendees were served a meal of white beans, smoked sausage, salad, bread and birthday cake. The meal was prepared by Pat Fryer and Mary Lee Gaudet.
Gabe Beadle, PA-C, MMS, from Urgent Care of Morgan City, discussed the special health precautions necessary during the current flu and virus season. He also thanked the community for its overwhelming support of Urgent Care of Morgan City, helping the business grow during the six years it has been in existence.
Emily Berry of M C Bank spoke to the membership about the upcoming “ABA Safe Banking for Seniors —Avoiding Scams” seminar, which is being conducted by the bank on March 25.
St. Mary AARP President Faye Smith introduced the 2019 St. Mary AARP Mardi Gras King and Queen XXXI, Harry “Put” Rebardie and Lillian Rebardie, who were crowned at the Feb. 23 Mardi Gras ball.
Birthday and anniversary celebrants were recognized at the meeting. The birthday cake was donated by M C Bank.
The next St. Mary AARP monthly meeting and meal will be held on April 1.

Local officials will hold a class March 25 to provide weather information and safety tips to the public.

A SKYWARN class will be held at 9 a.m. at the Port of Morgan City Emergency Operations Center, 7327 La. 182 in Morgan City.

The Port of Morgan City, St. Mary Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the National Weather Service’s Lake Charles Office are hosting the class.

Discussion topics include severe weather safety tips, local severe storm history, cloud formations, types of severe weather and how to report severe weather to the National Weather Service.