Joseph "Joey" S. Vergo Jr.

Joseph “Joey” Sebastian Vergo, Jr., 76, a lifelong resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, was called to his Heavenly home on Monday, August 12, 2024, following a brief illness. Joey was surrounded by his loving family as he transitioned to his eternal resting place. He was born on November 15, 1947, to the late Joseph Sebastian Vergo, Sr. and the late Frances Anne Pizzolato Vergo in Shreveport.

Joey served this grateful nation enlisting with the United States ARMY National Guard. He was a faithful Christian man and enjoyed attending Word of God Ministries over the past ten years. In 1966 Joey married his best friend, Polly Roppolo. Joey was the owner/operator of Competition Automotive Incorporated; where he would become known in the racing circuit for his winning engines. He built his empire in 1975 and remained dedicated to Competition Automotive until his final breath. Joey could build a carburetor like no one else. He took great pride in all things racing; talking about racing, thinking about racing, watching racing, and of course participating in racing winning many racing trophies. Joey loved passing down his knowledge to the younger individuals. Joey was the kind of person who would help anyone; he was a true friend from supporting sponsorships to dedicated and valued friendships.

Joey was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle and Godfather, an all-around family man and a mentor to many. He was like a second father to so many youngsters, a mentor, and a Legend in the racing community. Joey was extremely hard core with a tender and generous heart. When it came to his grandchildren, ‘no’ was not an answer. He took great pride in caring for his family. Joey had an infectious sense of humor, a talent in making others feel important, special, and loved. There are so many lives that Joey touched; anyone who knew him will forever have a special place in their hearts just for Joey.

The family will be receiving friends and family for remembrances of Joey Friday, August 16, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 A.M. held in the Chapel of Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101 with Pastor Chris Keeny officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108.

Left to cherish Joey’s Legendary memories are his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Polly Roppolo Vergo, two children: Tami Vergo, Joey Vergo, III, and wife Jennifer, ten siblings: Charles Vergo and wife Lois, Carl Vergo and wife JoAnn, Virginia Brown and husband Don, Theresa Rankin, Christine Vergo, Anna McGrath and husband John, Mary Vergo, Pat Vergo and wife Donna, Richard Vergo and wife Marla, Aimee McInnis and husband Russell, four grandchildren: Gavin Erwin, Tony Vergo, Colton White, Kenzie Vergo, two great-grandchildren: Gavin, Jr., Milani, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, many relatives and numerous wonderful friends.

Honoring Joey as pallbearers will be Tippy Bickham, Jr., Kevin Chesney, Jr., Jacob Helton, Janneh Maeshack, Rick Haggard, Robert Graham, Robert Gatti and Robbie Hickman. Honorary pallbearers are Tony Vergo, Andy Carriere, Gavin Erwin, Lance Ormond and Joe Carroll.

The family would like to extend their warmest gratitude to Andrea Cush for her gracious act of kindness. We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our extended families and friends for the many prayers, friendships through the years, words of kindness, and condolences during this extremely difficult time.

Memorials may be made to the charity of donor’s choice in honor of Joey Vergo.