Obituary
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Walter S. Maestri, III, PhD passed away on June 12, 2017 after a courageous battle with ALS. Walter is the son of the late Walter S. Maestri, Jr. and Cecelia L. Maestri ; brother of Howard G. Maestri, Elen M. Karl and Juanita M. Cressend. He was born and raised in New Orleans attending St. Dominic Catholic School and Jesuit High School. At Jesuit he learned the motto Men For Others and that is exactly how he lived his life. He received his bachelor's degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama and his PhD from The University of Southern Mississippi. Walter's larger than life personality could command a room while delivering an important press briefing or telling a simple story (always with just a FEW added embellishments.) Walter wore many hats during his working life. He was a college professor, an assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences at Loyola University New Orleans, Dean of Loyola's City college, president of Our Lady of Holy Cross College, and director of the NOPD municipal training academy. After that he went to Jefferson Parish government where he held several directorships most notably as the Director of Emergency Management. He was very proud of the job he did as the emergency manager during Hurricane Katrina. He made several courageous but unpopular decisions to protect life over property and never regretted any for a minute. After Walter retired, it was always interesting to go out with him in public. Without fail, someone would always come up and say how much he had helped them or their loved ones get through various dangerous situations. They would say they knew he was on tv talking to thousands but it always felt like he was talking to only them.
Walter is survived by his wife, Joanne P. Maestri, whose profound strength and love was on constant display during his battle with ALS. He is also survived by Walter and Stafford S. Maestri, Jeffrey and Gina L. Maestri, and Andrew Maestri. He was lucky enough to see 5 grandchildren brought into the family he loved so much: Ethan, Grace, Lillian, Wells, and Piper. He was a wonderful man and everyone who was lucky enough to know him was truly better because of it. He will be missed tremendously but his memory will never fade.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 S. Charles Ave. New Orleans, La 70118., on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 12 PM. Visitation will begin at 10AM until service time. Inurnment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Walter's name to The ALS Association/Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter or The Gleason House.
To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
June 24, 2017
Joanne, Howard and Ellen,
We received Walter's funeral card from Kent's sister, Janetanne. Please accept our fullest sympathies and heart-felt praise for Walter.
Laurel & Kent Lemarie
June 16, 2017
Twilah Winters
The world has truly lost a wonderful man. I was a student of Dr Maestri for 3 years at OLHCC now Holy Cross University.
He is a huge part of the reason I became a Social Worker. From Sociology to Psychology to Philosophy to Theology- Dr. Maestri was a full of knowledge. He helped me see the world in a way that continues to shape my view today.
You all remain in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
June 16, 2017
gerry garvey
Ms. Joanne and sons,
I had the honor of working with Dr. Masteri, he was a gentle man. Those who knew him will miss him deeply, my prayers are with you. Gerry Garvey
June 16, 2017
my deepest sympathy to you all. loved ya'll so much. will really miss him....minnie and speedy
June 16, 2017
walter Maestri
Tony Sr. & Patricia Billiot
107 Lakeview St
Pierre Part ,La.70339
our prayers go out for you and the family ,
June 16, 2017
Pat Brown Roux
Elen, so sorry to learn of your brother's death. I remember all of your family and our wonderful years growing up together at St. Dominic.
Pat Brown Roux
June 16, 2017
BOB LINDSEY
I LOVE WALTER MAESTRI.
WALTER WAS, IS AND FOREVER WILL BE BE MY "SKIPPER",MENTOR AND SPIRITUAL GUIDE.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AND I WILL CONTINUE TO TELL HIS STORY.
I PERSONALLY KNEW WALTER TO BE A MAN OF INTEGRITY, HONOR AND ETHIC.
I SERVED WITH HIM DURING A TURBULENT ERA AND NEVER ONCE SAW HIM COMPROMISE WHAT HE KNEW TO BE TRUE , JUST AND THE ETHICAL THING TO DO.
MANY A TIMEM HE SHINED HIS LIGHT INTO MY DARKNESS AND I BECAME AND AM STILL BETTER FOR IT.
PERHAP HIS WIFE JOANN SAID IT BEST-"NEVER GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT"
I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR WALTER'S FAMILY AND STAND READY TO HELP THEM IN ANY AND EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.
I AM A BETTER MAN BECAUSE OF WALTER MAESTRI AND I WILL ENDEAVOR TO ALWAYS MAKE HIM PROUD OF ME AS I CONTINUE TO HEAR HIS VOICE WITHIN ME.
NON SOLEUS(NEVER ALONE)
COLONEL(RETIRED) BOB LINDSEY, JEFFERSON PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE
June 15, 2017
Hank Berchak
Deepest sympathies from us folks in Terrytown. I knew and interacted with Walter many times while President of the Terrytown Civic Association. A real gentlemen who always took calls and answered questions literally 24/7 and always had time to explain what was likely to happen given any emergency situation. Calm and collected and a credit to all he served. Rest in Peace my friend we owe you a large unrepayable debt of gratitude. God Bless!
June 15, 2017
Debbie Dugas
Andrew, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Daddy. I know what a close family you have and together you will give each other strength to get through this very difficult time. God bless your sweet Mother and God give her and your family all of His blessings.
June 15, 2017
Lee and Vickie Cafiero
Dear Joanne, Walter, Jeffrey, and Andrew,
We are so very sorry to learn of Walter's death. He was such a great man who left us too soon. We enjoyed many good times together. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
June 14, 2017
JOANNE, DON AND I WANT YOU AND THE WHOLE FAMILY TO KNOW HOW VERY SORRY WE WERE TO LEARN OF WALTERS DEATH. WE ENJOYED YOU BOTH AS NEIGHBORS. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
DON & KITTY STOCKMAN
PIERRE PART, LA.
6-14-17
June 13, 2017
Stephen F Hux
Dear Joanne & sons:
It is with my deepest condolences to hear of your great loss. It saddens me to know that such a loving husband & father's life was taken too soon. However, it offers peace to know that he is no longer suffering in the pain of you seeing him with ALS.
I know your pain all too well.
I pray that the Lord will give you all strength and hold all of you in this time of need.
I am very sorry that I could not attend in person. I have Grandpa duty that day.
Stephen F. Hux
God Bless
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