Peter Dominick Mora, Jr., a member of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, passed away at age 97 on May 9, 2026, in Saint Tammany Parish, after a long life defined by service, resilience, and devotion to family.  Born on February 19, 1929, in his home at 2707 North Tonti Street in New Orleans, to Peter Dominick Mora, Sr. and Stella Rodrigue Mora, he grew up during the hardships of the Great Depression, shaped by humility, work ethic, and the quiet strength of his American Indian heritage.

From an early age, Peter demonstrated the industriousness and determination that would characterize his entire life.  As a boy too young for legal work in New Orleans, he raised and sold 200 chickens to make money.  He attended Francis T. Nicholls High School.  At just 16 years old, driven by patriotism and a desire to build a better future, he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II.  He graduated from basic training in San Diego, California, and served aboard the USS NORRIS (DD-859) and the USS THOMAS J. GARY (DE 326) in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, where he worked in the rate of Fireman, and manned shipboard guns during battle stations.  While stationed aboard the GARY, he also served as a diver to conduct damage assessments in the shark-infested waters of the South China Sea.

Following the war, Peter continued his commitment to his country by serving 12 years in the Navy Reserve with the Seabees.  He served in the rate of Construction Electrician Lineman, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class while attached to NAVAL MOBILE CONSTRUCTION BATTALION EIGHT, a prominent Navy Seabee unit established in 1942 homeported at Naval Construction Battalion Center Davisville, Rhode Island.  He received his Honorable Discharge on May 5, 1958.  His overall service earned him the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, and entitlement to wear the Combat Action Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

While attending Hemphill Diesel Schools in Memphis, Tennessee to become a diesel mechanic on the GI Bill, Peter lived in a boarding house across from a hospital where Mary “Pat” Wyles, a young nurse, worked.  Their courtship lasted only two weeks before they married on May 7, 1948 — a bold beginning to a marriage that faithfully endured until Mary’s passing many decades later, on August 20, 2017, at age 90.  Together, they had three children: Peter Dominick Mora, III, who passed away from cancer at age 39, and Paul David Mora and Dorothea Mora, both of whom died in infancy.

After his military career, Peter built a long and respected civilian career as a lineman for South Central Bell, where his technical skill, work ethic, and steady leadership earned the admiration of colleagues across Louisiana.  His hands helped build the infrastructure that connected communities, and his character left an impression on everyone who worked beside him.  He wired homes across the greater New Orleans area, to include those of musicians Pete Fountain and “Fats” Domino.  When communities outside of New Orleans were impacted by hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, he traveled to those areas to raise funds and provide technical support.

Peter’s dedication extended far beyond his professional life.  He moved to the Chitimacha Reservation in the 1970s to care for his aging parents and his sister.  As a citizen of the Chitimacha Tribe, he served his people with integrity and conviction.  He was elected Vice Chairman of the Tribal Council, whereby he helped guide the Tribe through pivotal years of growth, including the early development of tribal enterprises such as the Trading Post grocery store.  Later, he served 11 years as an inaugural member on the Chitimacha Gaming Commission, acting as a vigilant watchdog and ensuring the Tribe’s gaming operations were conducted responsibly and transparently, from its inception as a bingo hall through its transformation as a $100,000,000 gaming facility, critical for the Tribe to protect and preserve tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and culture.  His leadership was marked by honesty, a tough but fair approach, and an unwavering commitment to the Tribe’s future.

Peter’s character was marked by charity and devotion to family, in the vein of Saint Joseph — a man of few words, who took decisive action.  His selfless concern for others was shaped by the outlook of his father, one of nine children and a World War I Army veteran, whom Peter recalled, “would give you the shirt off his back and the last penny in his pocket.”  Peter was a man whose word was his bond, known for his honesty, commitment, and follow-through.  At the same time, his sense of humor was notorious amongst family and friends, as a master of salty one-liners that left others in stitches.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Mary, his children, and his sister Helen Stella Mora.  He is survived by his grandsons Joshua Paul Mora and Christopher David Mora (Peter Dominick Mora, IV, Sofia Gianna Mora, and Francesco Carlo Mora) — who carry forward his name, his legacy, and the values by which he lived.

Peter Dominick Mora, Jr. will be remembered as a man of profound character: a sailor who served his country with honor, a lineman who built the connections that strengthened his community, a tribal leader who safeguarded the future of his people, and a patriarch whose love and resilience shaped generations.  His life stands as a testament to the American spirit — humble, steadfast, and unbreakable.

Interment at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

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Peter Dominick Mora, Jr. - US Navy - WWII - USS Thomas J. Gary - DE-326

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Biloxi National Cemetery

Certificate of Award from President Donald J. Trump

President Harry S. Truman Letter to Peter D. Mora, Jr.

Letter from President Harry S. Truman to Peter Dominick Mora, Jr.

I met Pete in 1997 in Washington DC while he was visiting Josh and Chris.  Pete let me hang out with them during his visit. He was Awesome and Amazing! He had me laughing and he was a good dancer. It was wonderful to see a man who showed his Great Love and Affection for his Family. He was Extremely Proud of Josh and Chris! He bragged about Josh and Chris for hours. Pete bragged about his Lovely Wife Mary. It was wonderful meeting a man who was so Passionate and Proud of his wife, family, Native Tribe and work. Pete will be deeply missed! 

PETER DOMINICK MORA JR

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