Albert Joseph Derbes, III

Albert (“Al”) Joseph Derbes, III passed away on July 4, 2022 at the age of 82. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley Brown Derbes, his two adult sons, Albert J. Derbes, IV (Terri), Eric J. Derbes (Rebecca), his seven adult grandchildren, Edward J. Derbes (Mari), Breagh Derbes Wirth (Kevin), Alexander J. Derbes, Michael J. Derbes (Faye), Sophia A. Derbes, Anton J. Derbes, and Scott J. Derbes, as well as by two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert J. Derbes, Jr. and Marcelle Jourdan Derbes.

Al Derbes was a learned man of two professions. After graduating Jesuit High School in 1958, he studied accounting at Tulane University, where he was president of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He passed his CPA exam while at Tulane Law School in the 1960s. He then entered the United States Air Force as a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, ultimately being stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. In one instance, he was burned in effigy there for his successful representation of American service members.

Upon his return to the United States, he practiced as a certified public accountant, as had his father and grandfather. He served as chairman of the Louisiana State Board of Certified Public Accountants for five years. He served as President of the New Orleans’ Chapter of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants in 1988-89. He was President of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (“NASBA”) in 1987.

He and his sons started the Derbes Law Firm, LLC in 1995, where they practiced together for 20 years. A board certified tax attorney, his practice included taxation, successions, bankruptcy, and transactional work. His clients appreciated his candor and intellect at trying moments, while the attorneys and CPAs with whom he worked or against whom he litigated all appreciated his practical solutions to problems. He enjoyed the company of other attorneys, especially his Tuesday Lunch Bunch. His hobbies included photography, reading, and genealogy. With the exception of his service in the United States Air Force, he spent his entire life in the New Orleans area.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, with a Roman Catholic funeral Mass at noon. Entombment at All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Jesuit High School or the Alzheimer’s Association.