Dean Clark Dupuy, a political liaison and lobbyist for Tipitina’s Foundation who also owned and ran the legendary St. Charles Avenue restaurant Que Sera, died Friday, August 10, of leukemia. He was 67 years old.
Dean is survived by his wife, Nan Williams Dupuy, son, Leland Gantt Dupuy, daughter, Olivia Claire Cleland (Garret), and three grandchildren: Joshua Clark Cleland, Scout Isadora Dupuy, and Abram Michael Cleland, whose affectionate name for their grandfather is Banjo. He is also survived by his mother, Claire J. Clark; siblings Marigny J. Dupuy, his identical twin and best friend David C. Dupuy (Elisabeth), William D. Weil II (Tammy), Shelley W. Caspary (Don) Claire “Coco” J. Dupuy (Cranston), Wendelle A. C. Weil (Rene), and Mark F. Weil (Jane); as well as 23 nieces and nephews, 14 grand nieces and nephews, and numerous devoted friends. His father, John Dupuy Jr. and his stepfather, William D. Weil, Sr., preceded him in death.
Born in New Orleans on September 19, 1950, Dean was a dedicated musician for his entire life. Inspired by Merle Travis, Doc Watson, and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, among others, he entertained family and friends endlessly by playing his wonderfully original compositions on the piano, guitar, and banjo. Longtime friend, Michael Arata, called him “an incomparably talented musician,” and added that Dean was “a tireless advocate and champion for those fighting addiction . . . and a devoted and loyal friend with boundless love for his beautiful family.”
The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Sonnier and the nursing staff at Touro Infirmary, as well as Dr. Koichi Takahashi, Nurse Practitioner Lyn Greenberg and their team at MD Anderson in Houston.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Dean’s life at Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans, on Tuesday, August 21 at 3:00 pm. The funeral will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tipitina’s Foundation (www.tipitinasfoundation.org).
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