Robert "Bob" Patrick Early, Sr.

Robert “Bob” Patrick Early, Sr., passed away at the age of 78, on Saturday May 15, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born August 15, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended St. Anthony of Padua Grammar School, was a graduate of Holy Cross High School (Class of 1961), Southeastern University (1965) and Loyola University Law School (1969). He is preceded in death by his wife of 17 years, Doris Stelly Early; parents; J. Michael Early Sr. and Leah Cohen Early. He is survived by his love of many years, Jan Beck Arabie, his son Robert P. Early, Jr, daughters Alisa Lavie (Michael), Kirsten Reisig (Steven) and Laura Loupe (Matt). He is the grandfather of Meghan Lavie, William Lavie, Emma Loupe, Audrey Rose Lavie, Addie Loupe and Andrew Loupe. Brother of J. Michael Early (Mavis), Leah Held (the late Ronald), Maureen Dehon (Patrick), Thomas B. Early (Chrisie), Brian G. Early (Charlene), Colleen Hoover (Byron), the late Kevin Marian Early, Therese Larabee (Jim), Kathleen Devaughn (Mac), Patricia Laird (the late Jim), and many nieces and nephews.

Upon graduation from Loyola Law School in 1969, Bob, joined The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, what would become the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1974, dedicating five years combating drug trafficking and distribution within the United States. In 1975, he was hired by the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office working for Harry Connick, Sr. In 1980, Bob joined the Jefferson Parish Police Department as the Captain of the Narcotics Division under Sheriff Harry Lee. In 1989, he started his professional law practice in downtown New Orleans on Girod Street. For ten years, he shared an office with his lifelong friend, Frank De Salvo. In 2000, he moved his law practice to Jefferson Parish, and working as a Parish attorney. For these forty-seven years, he dedicated his heart and soul to criminal law.

Bob loved playing golf with friends. He was an avid Tulane and Alabama fan, and enjoyed attending Tulane and Saints sporting events. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family over lunch and dinners, seeing his grandchildren and walking his two labs, Laverne and Shirley.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Hamide, Dr. Granville Morse as well as numerous doctors and staff members at Tulane Medical Center, West Jefferson Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center for their assistance during the last three months. The family is grateful for Bob’s numerous caregivers over the past few months for providing quality care and loving companionship, as they became part of the family.

Relatives and friends of the family and former co-workers are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church at 4640 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 12:30 pm with visitation beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Holy Cross High School at 5500 Paris Avenue, New Orleans, La 70122 (www.holycrosstigers.com) or The Humane Society of Louisiana at www.humanela.org. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.