Walter S. Maestri III, PhD

Walter S. Maestri, III, PhD passed away on June 12, 2017 after a courageous battle with ALS. Walter is the son of the late Walter S. Maestri, Jr. and Cecile L. Maestri ; brother of Howard G. Maestri, Elen M. Karl and Juanita M. Cressend. He was born and raised in New Orleans attending St. Dominic Catholic School and Jesuit High School. At Jesuit he learned the motto Men For Others and that is exactly how he lived his life. He received his bachelor's degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama and his PhD from The University of Southern Mississippi. Walter's larger than life personality could command a room while delivering an important press briefing or telling a simple story (always with just a FEW added embellishments.) Walter wore many hats during his working life. He was a college professor, an assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences at Loyola University New Orleans, Dean of Loyola's City college, president of Our Lady of Holy Cross College, and director of the NOPD municipal training academy. After that he went to Jefferson Parish government where he held several directorships most notably as the Director of Emergency Management. He was very proud of the job he did as the emergency manager during Hurricane Katrina. He made several courageous but unpopular decisions to protect life over property and never regretted any for a minute. After Walter retired, it was always interesting to go out with him in public. Without fail, someone would always come up and say how much he had helped them or their loved ones get through various dangerous situations. They would say they knew he was on tv talking to thousands but it always felt like he was talking to only them.

Walter is survived by his wife, Joanne P. Maestri, whose profound strength and love was on constant display during his battle with ALS. He is also survived by Walter and Stafford S. Maestri, Jeffrey and Gina L. Maestri, and Andrew Maestri. He was lucky enough to see 5 grandchildren brought into the family he loved so much: Ethan, Grace, Lillian, Wells, and Piper. He was a wonderful man and everyone who was lucky enough to know him was truly better because of it. He will be missed tremendously but his memory will never fade.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 S. Charles Ave. New Orleans, La 70118., on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 12 PM. Visitation will begin at 10AM until service time. Inurnment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Walter's name to The ALS Association/Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter or The Gleason House.

To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com .