Donald J. Picou

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved, entertaining, and funny patriarch of our family, Donald J. Picou. On January 3, 2024, at the age of 86, Donald peacefully entered eternal rest with his wife, Carolyn Kelly Picou, at his side. Donald was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in the Irish Channel where he was well known for his mischievous and adventurous nature. He took pride in torturing and harassing his sister, parents, and the neighborhood with his obnoxious childhood pranks. As a result, he would occasionally find himself buried up to his neck in the sand in Clay Square after harassing the older neighborhood kids. He attended St. Alphonsus and Redemptorist High School where his mischievous mind and quest for adventure continued, which was not well received. Thus, he frequently attended Saturday school, but, in typical form, found himself eating pie and cookies in no time because he had won over the hearts of the school nuns with his funny antics, kind soul, and charm.

At the age of 17, Donald convinced his parents to sign a waiver that would allow him to enlist in the United States Air Force, which they happily obliged. He joined the service in 1958 where he was trained as an aircraft mechanic. Donald loved working on aircraft and flew often while in the service, but in his later years avoided flying, stating that “I do not necessarily mind flying, it is the crashing part I am not crazy about.” He loved sharing stories of his military life with his family and all who cared to listen, with many of his stories surrounding his time stationed in Japan. Following his discharge from the service, Donald was one of the first known VW mechanics in the city of New Orleans. He owned a mechanic shop for many years and finished his career with the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed working on his family’s cars and continued to serve as a mechanic for many friends and neighbors throughout the years.

Donald wore many titles: husband, brother, son, uncle, father, father-in-law and a father figure to many. Donald was a devoted father and husband who dedicated his life to his family. He worked very long hours; yet always found time for his family and anyone who needed him. He loved coaching his daughters’ cabbage ball teams and, win or lose, all were treated to snowballs before going home. In addition to coaching, Donald enjoyed teaching mechanics and entertaining the neighborhood kids. His creative mind and mechanical abilities were always at work, from building elaborate haunted houses at Halloween to modifying an old dishwasher that cooked the best rotisserie chicken ever made. He was the neighborhood plumber, mechanic, roofer and full-time repair man and just a call away. Once retired, Donald and Carolyn moved to Slidell to live on the water where he loved life, fishing right from his back porch. While retired, he enjoyed dinner out with his wife and friends, along with occasional trips to the Casino and the Mountains. His last few years were spent in Metairie in the care of his family. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, EMS, and emergency room staff at Ochsner who provided care throughout his last several years. This includes all the home health provided by OMNI Home Care. Also, special thanks to his PCP, Dr. Sara “Olivia” Fernandez from “John T!” Donald was a kind and thoughtful soul with a goofy sense of humor and will be greatly missed and remembered by those whose lives he touched. Donald, you have lived a good life bringing joy and laughter to many. Enjoy your eternal reward riding your dream Harley, fishing and eating your favorite honey buns with a big cup of coffee. Goodbyes are not forever, and not the end. It simply means we will miss you until we meet again.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Norma Weber Picou, and his sister, Joan Picou Campbell. Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years Carolyn Kelly Picou, his daughters Carrie (Rick) Fernandez, Denise (Marc) Mancuso, Donna (Barry) Schaferkotter and son, Little Donald, 8 grandchildren, Eric (Jill) Fernandez, Allen (Deborah) Fernandez, Victoria (Marcos) Medina, Jessica (Jeremy) Autin, Alexis (Eric) Grimm, Matthew (Jordan) Mancuso, Nicholas Mancuso, and Emily Rose Mancuso and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Steve (Julie) Campbell, Kelly (Pat) Kozel, Christopher Campbell and Cheryl Campbell.

Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home at 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Visitation commences at 11:00 am with a funeral mass to follow at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider Masses or a donation to Magnolia School, 100 Central Avenue, Jefferson, LA 70121. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.