Emmett Emmanuel Cheri Jr.

Emmett Emmanuel Cheri, Jr., affectionately known many as "Emmett Jr.," "Cheri," and "Uncle Emmett," was born on April 29, 1953, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was called home to glory on Monday, June 8, 2026. He was 73 years old. Emmett was the eldest child of Emmett Emmanuel Cheri, Sr. and Dolores Scott Cheri. He was raised in New Orleans and was a proud lifelong member of the Pontchartrain Park community, where he developed many of the friendships and relationships that would remain important to him throughout his life. He was educated in the New Orleans Public School System and graduated from John F. Kennedy Senior High School in 1971. During his high school years, Emmett excelled in athletics, participating in football, basketball, and track and field. His talent in track and field earned him State Runner-Up honors in both the triple jump and broad jump. Among his many gifts, Emmett was also an accomplished trumpet player who earned placement as a first-chair trumpet musician. Following graduation, Emmett attended the University of New Orleans before transferring to the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he studied Physical Therapy. Emmett began working at the age of 18 with his father at McLean Trucking Company. At age 25, he began a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service, serving as a Postal Clerk at various postal stations throughout the New Orleans area for approximately 30 years. Dedicated to both his profession and his fellow employees, Emmett proudly served two terms as President of Local 110 of the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees. Emmett was known and loved by many. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. He was truly the life of every gathering, celebration, and social event he attended. His infectious smile, warm personality, and sense of humor drew people to him wherever he went. Whether sharing stories, enjoying good food, spending time with family and friends, or simply making people laugh, Emmett had a gift for bringing joy to those around him. His favorite pastimes included bowling in league competition, playing baseball, shooting pool, and participating in social aid and pleasure club activities. In 2001, Emmett received the distinguished honor of serving as King NOMTOC XXXII. He was also a devoted and lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and rarely missed an opportunity to support his team. Emmett was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Emmanuel Cheri, Sr. and Dolores Scott Cheri. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his beloved son, Emmett Emmanuel Cheri III; his stepdaughter, Shonnette Lewis; his four siblings, David Cheri, Sr. (Pansy), Trina McCormick (Wayne), Bernadette Cheri, and Merrilyn Cheri; six nieces and nephews, Wayne McCormick, Jr., DeShaun M. Webster (Jovan), Dannette Holmes (Michael), Ryan McCormick, David Cheri, Jr (Tawanna), and Sean Castle (Erin); one grandson, Ramon Lewis, one great-grandson, Saint Lewis; four godchildren, Tonya Boutte-Lee, DeShaun Webster, Megan Butler, and Melvin Joseph Handy III; one aunt, Gloria Cheri; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, former coworkers, neighbors, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we find comfort in the countless memories he leaves behind and in knowing that his legacy of laughter, friendship, kindness, and love will live on through all who knew him. Family, friends, neighbors, and former coworkers of the United States Postal Service are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church 7300 Crowder Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70127 at 11:00am. Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.