Robert Edgar Wall, a native and lifelong resident of the New Orleans area, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the age of 87. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend for 38 years, Jill Manschot Wall, by his children, Deborah Wall Rittiner (Perry), Stephen Robert Wall (Julie), Gregory Robert Wall (Chad) and stepson, Ryan R Lewis (Jenny). His grandchildren are Jamie Rittiner Hufft (Nick), Marni Wall Demelo (Timmy), Jordan Matthew Rittiner, Stephen Charles Wall, Sophie Mae Wall, Abigail Jane Lewis and Caroline Landry Rittiner, and three great grandchildren, Reagan Emelia Rittiner, Perrin Patrick Rittiner, Jr. and Nicholas Thomas Hufft, Jr. He is also survived by two brothers, John Wadsworth Wall and Byron Emerson Wall and his sister Ruth Wall Ogle.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Horace Paris Wall and Thelma Louise Wall, brother, Drury William Wall, his son, David Robert Wall and grandson, Perrin Patrick Rittiner and his first wife Joyce Marney Wall.
Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision began at the age of 12 when he approached strangers in City Park to develop their film. He acquired the steamboat River Queen and opened a dinner theater. He brought Mardi Gras to New Orleans 365 days a year with creation of Mardi Gras World. His other projects included Sell Your Own Home, and Remembrances of New Orleans publisher of “Prize Winning New Orleans Recipes”. He is best remembered in recent years as President and Co-owner with his wife Jill, of Vacations At Sea which they operated for over 30 years.
Old timers and New Orleans political scholars remember Bob in his role of Executive Assistant to then Mayor DeLesseps (Chep) Morrison. He offered leadership and political insight to the campaigns of Hale and Lindy Boggs. He held prominent positions with the Orleans Parish School Board and directed programs under the Louisiana State Senate. His leadership traits surfaced very early in life when he successfully ran for Sunday school president, followed by President of his class each year attending Metairie High School, a term as president of Student Federation of Louisiana Colleges and Universities while at LSU, President of the New Orleans Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), Travel Agents of Greater New Orleans. As a young man he was a semi professional magician and served as the President of the New Orleans Conjurers Club.
Visitation will take place at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Friday, April 7, 2017 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to include a reflection of his life. Internment in Metairie Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
April 11, 2017
Mark & Caroline Stoneham
Jill, we are so sorry to hear about Bob. What a wonderful human being he will be missed by many. Our heartfelt sympathies to you and the family.
April 11, 2017
JO ANN CASTAING
JILL, ALL MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND SENDING ALL MY ANGELS TO CONFORT YOU. I WILL MISS HIM AND HIS LAUGHTER VERY MUCH.
April 10, 2017
Elaine and Steve Kleifgen
What an amazing life Bob had. He accomplished as much is half a dozen other people combined. I'm so sorry you've lost your dear friend and husband Jill, and his children have lost their father and grandfather. Our thoughts are with you and all your family.
April 7, 2017
Kathleen Grumich
Dear Jill,
I am so sorry about your husband's death! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 7, 2017
Don McCann
Jill, we have great memories of many agent cruise pre-inaugurals with you & Bob. Thinking of you & your family. -Don McCann & the staff at Cruise Escapes, Dallas
April 7, 2017
Millie Ball
Jill - So sorry to read tonight about Bob's death. He was one of a kind, who led such an interesting life, doing so many different and fascinating things! Of course, it was in our shared love of and work with travel that I got to know and respect him. He was the best, as are you. Know you will miss him terribly. Sending virtual hugs.
April 6, 2017
John Ogle, III
Cousins Greg, Steve and Debbie...so sorry and saddened by your (our) loss. Uncle Robert was an inspiration...still trying to emulate his unmatched prestidigitation skills! --John Ogle, III
April 6, 2017
Jim McLean
I enjoyed visiting at his home in New Orleans with Ruth and enjoyed his magic show. I will always remember him and many of his family. I am certain New Orleans is better for his having lived there.
April 6, 2017
Greg, Steve & Debbie, I am so sorry about the loss of your Dad. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending much Love, Sandra Jeane.
April 6, 2017
Chad Dunn
I will miss the WALL productions. You never knew what was next with his antics.
April 6, 2017
We are so sorry to hear about Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Dale and Alan Singer
April 6, 2017
Alex and I are so sorry to hear Bob has passed on. He was one of the most unique people I knew, always with fresh and innovative ideas. Our family knew him from the time I first moved to New Orleans when I was seven and he and my father were working in Mayor Morrison administration. May the memories of your long life together give you comfort in the future. Christina O'Doniel Elguezabal Houston, TX
April 5, 2017
Jill, so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Rose Fogarty
April 5, 2017
Maxine Silverstein
Jill...we are so very sad to hear the news of Bob's passing.
He was such a fine man & a wonderful, sweet person,
We cherish our wonderful memories of our tme with you both.
Please stay in touch. Bob will be missed by all of us.
Love Maxine & Gary
April 5, 2017
Celeste Pevahouse
What a loss for all! Jill, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a precious legend and will be missed!
April 5, 2017
Jill,
Sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Tammy Bernard
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