Mississippi-born real estate developer, businessman, and philanthropist Joseph C. Canizaro passed away at his Louisiana home on Friday.
One of the chief architects of today’s New Orleans skyline, Canizaro developed more than 10 million square feet of varying business centers, hotels, mixed-use developments, and more across a decorated career that began in 1966.
Canizaro, a Biloxi native, played a key role in shaping the Crescent City’s evolution throughout the 60s and following decades. Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, had high praise for Canizaro after the news of his passing broke.
“His vision over several decades continues to be visible throughout the region, extending from the Riverfront and Central Business District to our suburbs,” Benson said in a statement. “As well-known to all were his business endeavors, Joseph’s great Catholic faith and commitment to many charitable causes also made our city a better place.”
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann also released a statement via social media following the loss of Canizaro:
This weekend, Mississippi lost a friend in Joe Canizaro. A dedicated developer of Tradition on the Mississippi coast, he was generous to our state and to humanity. He was a man of strong faith and significant business acumen. We will miss his energy, friendship, and leadership.
— Delbert Hosemann (@DelbertHosemann) June 22, 2025
Canizaro’s work more recently stretched back to his birthplace, leading the Tradition development in Harrison County, a $2 billion mixed-use development that spans nearly 5,000 acres.
As part of the development, Canizaro donated property for the construction of the Bryant Center at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, a 50,000-square-foot nursing facility that doubled the size of MGCCC’s nursing programs. He was also a major contributor to William Carey University, which launched a second campus in Tradition in 2009.
Beyond guiding his development firm Columbus Properties, Canizaro also held an array of philanthropic leadership positions, such as founding nonprofit Donum De Foundation, founding Committee for a Better New Orleans, and serving as a commission member for the Bring Back New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
