John Seiley

John Desmond Seiley Sr., 73, passed away Monday, November 19, at his home in Bay St. Louis, after a prolonged period of declining health.
He will be deeply missed by his large family and friends across the county.
John was a gregarious, active and motivated person, who lived life to the fullest and served as a mentor not only to his four children, but to the countless number of people with whom he worked. Many of those later rose to high positions in CSC.
He always challenged himself to achieve, beginning with his boyhood in the Cajun town of Mamou, LA. He was a highly talented athlete in many sports, and became a hometown hero with his greatness in high school boxing.
After graduating from Mamou High School, John joined the Air Force and served in Korea. After his military service, John worked his way through Southeastern in Hammond, earning a bachelor's degree in science, and later through Southwestern in Lafayette, earning a master's degree in mathematics. He achieved his degrees even as he worked to support his young family.
Throughout college, he longed to be part of the space race, and landed his first job out of college with NASA.
The same love of science and mathematics led him to a lifelong career with Computer Sciences Corporation. He rose through the ranks as the achiever that he was, and earned the respect and love of everyone in his work environment.
He kept an open door to all who were in his charge, from menial or skilled laborers to aspiring young colleagues.
John himself rose to high rank in CSC because of his successful management style.
He led the CSC proposal effort for the technical support services contractor for NASA at Stennis Space Center. He then served there as the general manager of the contract.
After his work at Stennis, John was promoted to vice president of the Applied Technology Division of CSC and relocated to their Fairfax, VA offices.
He had returned to Louisiana as head of the NASA's Slidell computer complex for CSC, but his failing health forced John to retire early. He moved to Bay St. Louis, MS, in 1990.
John was a man of many talents and interests. He played numerous musical instruments, including the harmonica and guitar, amusing his family and friends by singing Cajun songs in French. He loved to spread the Cajun traditions he cherished to his friends, and especially his family.
His was a devoted Christian, a true patriot, and he had a kind and loving heart. He enjoyed telling tales from his childhood, and his vivid stories always brought smiles and laughter .
He was preceded in death by his parents, Augustus M. and Rhodia Deshotels Seiley; and four brothers, Carl, Curtis, Robert and A.M. """"Butch"""" Seiley.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Mary G. Seiley of Bay St. Louis; four children, John D. Seiley Jr., Deborah Seiley Hoy, Andrea R. Seiley, and Angele N. Seiley, all of New Orleans; and their mother, Anita Molitor Seiley of Mamou, LA.
He also is survived by his sister-in-law, Sallie G. Ferrell (Tom) of Corpus Christi, TX, and brother in-law, Robert Q. Glass III of Brevard, N.C.
Other survivors include five grandchildren: John D. Seiley III (Jessica), Christopher Seiley, Mark Seiley (Adriene), Ryan Pitre, Elizabeth Hoy; two great-grandchildren: Olivia Seiley and Autumn Seiley.
Other survivors include other beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church, 114 Ulman Avenue, Bay St. Louis. There will be time of gathering at the church following the service. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Road, Pass Christian in charge of arrangements.