Birth date: Dec 1, 1938 Death date: May 10, 2008
Right Reverend Monsignor Joseph Leonard Chotin, Jr., died at his home on Saturday, May 10, 2008. “Father Joe”, as most of his friends knew him, is survived by his sister Wanda Chotin Johnson and her husband, Dr. Gordon Johnson; t Read Obituary
On this 43rd wedding anniversary, I remember Father Chotin as a good man, friend and Catholic priest. During our pre-cana meetings, I was not Catholic so my fiancé was concerned I may not answer properly. There were a couple times my bride-to-be kicked me in the shin to encourage a correct answer. Father Chotin knew what was going on and gave me one of his reading winks. Awesome!
Joe must have been one of the earliest male students to "integrate" Dominican College. He was a seminarian then, and I was a young sister teaching a summer chemistry lab.
I followed his priestly career with interest, and on the rare occasions when we met, it was as if no time had passed.
The Dominican SIsters served in the school at Our Lady of the Lake in 1901-1905; from the beginning they offered quality education, loved the people, were well received, and sorry to leave. I mention this because of the connection; even though it is too long ago to be remembered,your careful historian noted it in the parish history, and the sisters were proud.
I am thrilled to read of how Father Joe reached the people he pastored, and the challenge he gave them to set their world on fire with God's love, preaching by wprd and by his example.
We know he suffered in this vale of tears, and in my theology his reward is great in heaven. May he intercede for us all!
Father Joe's ability to handle the adversities he faced, has been an example of courage I have tried to emulate. He was an inspiration to me.
Thank you for all that you have given me, I will miss you and remember you always
During this difficult time of loss, you are not alone. God and Father Joe are with you in this time of sadness. Don't put on a brave face because the Dear Lord will hold and comfort you especially now in your time of need. Wanda and her family were the most fortunate family we know. They had Father Chotin in their lives. We knew him since 1969 when he came to Morgan City. He was our friend, a spiritual leader, and someone we looked up to. We were able to talk, joke, and enjoy each other's company for many years. Our recent visit will long be remembered. Father was a man of strength, courage, and never dwelled on his sicknesses. He was strong and whole. A beautiful heart and soul. We will miss our friend and our email buddy!
Fran and Butch
We will miss the lunches and the talks we had . I know you are in a better place .You are sitting in the big church in a big chair saiding mass as you loved . I'am soo sorry you are gone
I knew Joe a life time .We had some distances. We grew to love one another . The weather was so bad that night . Happy is rain for the one that die's
I grew up in OLL parish & knew Fr Joe since a child - I'm now 30 & can't believe I'll never see him again.
I cannot imagine having more reverence & respect for a priest than I had for Fr Joe, my entire life! He was a beautiful soul - humble, despite being so loved & respected by so many.
I'm sorry I'm unable to attend the services - I want to be there.
My sincerest condolences to the Chotin family for your loss. And my deepest thanks for sharing him with all of us. He blessed our lives in so many ways.
Dear Wanda and family: I grew up with Joe and went through Sacred Heart with him, as he called it "the Heart". Also, knew your Mother from those days. We were delighted to find him here in St. Tammany upon our return to this area, not seeing him for at least 30 years. It was always so good to see his beautiful smile, and hear his fantastic sense of humor. I will truly miss him, and offered my Mass this morning in his remembrance. Sincerely, Lynnette Hubert Soules
