Herman Joseph Abry

Herman Joseph Abry, a lifelong resident of Harahan, LA, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on April 14, 2025. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Louise Makofsky Abry, and by his children and their spouses: Emily A. Barre’ and her husband Daniel Barre’, and Herman Gregory (Greg) Abry and his wife Michelle B. Abry.

He was the beloved grandfather of Alyssa Barre’ Bourgeois, Julia Barre’ Reuther, Monique Abry Knoepfler, Thomas Abry, and Patrick Abry, and proud great-grandfather of Brady Bourgeois, Bryce Bourgeois, James Reuther, Casey Reuther, Adrian Reuther, and Vivienne Abry. He is also survived by his brothers, George Abry and John Abry, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Andrew Abry and Carmel Buisson Abry; his sisters Carmel A. Patterson and Ann A. McGehee; and his brother Edgar Abry.

A graduate of St. Dominic School and Warren Easton High School, Herman attended Loyola University and proudly served for eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Reserve as a Torpedoman Second Class.

Herman was the fifth-generation leader and former president of Abry Brothers, Inc., the well-known New Orleans company specializing in shoring, leveling, and elevating structures. Among his many contributions to the city, he led the relocation of the historic Pitot House in 1964 and oversaw critical structural recovery efforts, moving houses and other structures that came to rest on highways in lower Plaquemines Parish following Hurricane Betsy in 1965. He was widely respected by engineers and contractors alike for his integrity and deep expertise, especially in the preservation of historic French Quarter architecture.

He was actively involved in the community and church life, serving as President of the St. Mary's Dominican High School Parents Club (1978–79), a former member and Lieutenant of the Krewe of Eros, a former board member of the Associated Building Contractors, and a parishioner of St. Rita of Cascia Church in Harahan. There, he served faithfully as a Lector, Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and a dedicated volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3854.

A man of faith and reflection, Herman was a member of Manresa Group #38, attending annual retreats at Manresa House of Retreats for 34 consecutive years. In recognition of his devoted service to the Church, he was awarded the St. Louis Medallion by the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2006.

Herman’s legacy is one of devotion — to faith, family, heritage, and the city of New Orleans. He was a quiet force of strength and compassion, admired by all who knew him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his doctors and to his loving caregivers: Lindsey, Gaynell, Latricia, Jasmine, and Fran.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 7100 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, LA on Thursday, April 24, 2025. A visitation at church will begin at 10:00am until Mass begins at 12:00pm. Interment will be private.

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation in Herman’s memory to St. Rita de Cascia Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Manresa House of Retreats or WLAE-TV.