Harold Francis Hand

Harold Francis Hand was the last surviving sibling of an amazing New Orleans family consisting of thirteen children when he departed this life after almost 85 years to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 27th 2020.

After graduating from Redemptorist High School, Harold served his country in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged. After completing his service in the Army, Harold continued his public service following in his father’s and several of his sibling’s footsteps joining the New Orleans Police Department in August of 1958. While on the New Orleans Police Department, Harold served in numerous positions throughout the Department for thirty years before he retired to include Police Districts, the Detective Bureau where he investigated all major crimes and the Criminal Courts. He continued his public service working for the City of New Orleans in the Notarial Archives. Upon retiring from the City of New Orleans, Harold continued his work as a member of the Police Pension Board until he passed away. Harold was very devout in the Catholic faith.

Harold was an active member in many organizations throughout his life. He was the Past President and life-long member of the Fraternal Order of Police until his passing. He held numerous positions and was a life-long member of the Police Mutual Benevolent Association and was serving as its Treasurer until he passed away. Harold loved Mardi Gras and became Pete Fountain’s security when the Half-Fast Marching Club was founded. Harold was very fond of Mr. Fountain as well as the organization and he continued as a marching member of the organization until this past Mardi Gras. Harold was also a member of the Irish Channel and Corner Clubs. Throughout his life, Harold was very active in all of these organizations as well as his community. He deeply loved his family and his community. He was loved and respected by all as he was always so kind, gentle and respectful to anyone he met and interacted with. He was known as a class act, a true gentleman and one heck of a fine Irishman.

Harold was pre-deceased by his loving wife of many years, Joan Cusimano Hand; his parents James J. Hand and Anna Conway Hand; and his twelve brothers and sisters namely James J. Hand, Jr., George Patrick Hand, Sr., Catherine Hand Lampard, Anna Hand Gaudet, Margaret Hand, Gloria Hand Moran, Shirley M. (Sister Joecile) Hand, Robert J. Hand, John G. Hand, Lawrence J. Hand, Peter A. Hand and Gerard Hand.

Harold is survived by his only child, Marlene Hand Bossetta, wife of Brigadier General Patrick R. Bossetta, and his three grandchildren, Alexandra Michelle Bossetta, Catherine Elizabeth Bossetta and Patrick Joseph Bossetta. Harold is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews who were all very dear to him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church located at 835 Melody Drive, Metairie, LA 70002 from 10am to 12pm with a Funeral Mass following visitation. A private burial will be held immediately thereafter at Lake Lawn Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the P.M.B.A. 715 S. Broad Ave. #408 New Orleans, LA 70119. The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.