Dr. Leonard "Chick" Anthony Cheramie, Jr.

Dr. Leonard Anthony “Chick” Cheramie, Jr.

Born November 1, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Chick, a resident of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, after a brief illness.

Dr. Chick was a graduate of Jesuit High School, Louisiana State University, and LSU Medical School. After medical school he served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force between 1954-1958. A board certified surgeon who practiced in New Orleans and Morgan City, he finally retired at the age of 84. His numerous interests included travel, sports, and music. He traveled extensively in his life and was a sports enthusiast, rarely missing an LSU game or golf tournament. He could sing every song from every Broadway musical and tell you where to eat no matter where your travels took you. Throughout his life, he accumulated a collection of fine art and illustrated books that he enjoyed sharing with visitors. He could also captivate a room with his tales and jokes and had a special gift for bringing people together. Family and friends will dearly miss him and will remember his generosity with his time and friendship. His friends were special to him, and his daily lunches with his Bay St. Louis crew were a highlight of his days. 

Many thanks to all his friends who cared for him and to Richard Murphy Hospice House, whose staff so lovingly cared for him in his last few days.

He leaves behind daughters Jan Cheramie King and Michelle Cheramie Bellavia (Kelly); grandchildren Katie King Crosby, Zachary Bellavia, and Zoe Bellavia; and greatgrandchildren Dominic King, Zelia Bellavia, and Cosima Bellavia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard A Cheramie, Sr., and Antonina “Lena” DiNapoli Cheramie; former wife Carmen Price, granddaughter Emily Bellavia, and son-in-law Walter King.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 13, 2024, at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, at 12:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at the church at 10:30 a.m. and a rosary at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Richard Murphy Hospice House (1109 S. Chestnut Street, Hammond, LA 70403) or send your favorite tree, evergreen, shrub, flowers, or plants to be used in establishing a memorial garden (Chick’s Memorial Garden, 1157 Elmcrest Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808).

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. Leonard "Chick" Cheramie, Jr.