Jacob Vincent Morreale, age 90 peacefully went to heaven on 12/13/2022. He was born to Vincent A. Morreale and Angelina C. Morreale on 2/17/1932 in Bay St. Louis, MS. He graduated from St. Stslaus and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physical education from Southeastern Louisiana University. While attending SLU He was chosen as the baseball team captain and named to the All-Conference team. Following SLU he coached baseball (and all sports) at Morgan City High School before joining the Army during the Korean War where he pursued his love of boxing. Jacob continued his professional boxing career which culminated him being the AAU Golden Glove Champion in 1966. He then became a Thoroughbred horse trainer where he won his first race in 1971. His passion and love of this sport drove him to be successful enough to get to the Kentucky Derby in 1978 with his “big grey” Chief of Dixieland. His amazing career with so many long shots led him to his racetrack nicknames, “Jake the snake and Jake the rake” up until he retired at 83 in 2013. ” My ” job” never felt like I worked a day in my life” he often said. Jacob is preceded in death his parents, Vincent and Angelina Morreale, his sister Patricia Morreale Garriga and his former wife Lydia Marcelle Morreale. Jacob is survived by his loving daughter, Monette Marcelle Morreale, his adoring grandson Jace Jacob Khashou, his brother Martin Morreale and his brother-in-law Jerry Garriga (Patricia). His nieces and nephews Vincent Garriga, Gerald Garriga, James Garriga( Denise), Tony Garriga (Elesha), Jay Jay Garriga (Kristie), Matthew Garriga(Melissa), Bridgette Harbin(Kirk), Marty Ann Flecher (Joe) Vinny Morreale; so many family and friends loved him dearly. JV was a devout Catholic and a well-respected hard-working man whose smile was infectious, laugh was contagious, and baby blue eyes were penetrating. A true legend at heart. Rest easy “CHAMP” Visitation will be at Jacob and Schoen Funeral home on Thursday, December 22, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. The burial will be at St. Mary’s cemetery at the Italian Tomb/ Society in Bay St. Louis.
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