Bobby was born on June 25, 1931, to Irmine Charbonnet McIntyre and William Lawrence McIntyre. He was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by both of his siblings: Phillip McIntyre of Buffalo, New York and Joan Mattox. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Henican McIntyre and their four children: Leslie Metarko (Thomas) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Odette Hankins (Richard) of Cleveland, Ohio, Robert McIntyre, Jr. (Jacque) of Denver, Colorado and William McIntyre II (Kathryn). He had 8 grandchildren: Taylor Maimbourg, Andrew Metarko, Sarah Metarko, Hannah McIntyre, Katie Hankins, Brook McIntyre, Ryan McIntyre, and Hattie McIntyre.
Bobby attended Jesuit High School. He deeply valued his education there and attended retreats at Manresa beginning his senior year in 1948 and every year since (Group 14). Bobby went on to earn a business degree from Tulane University, where he was a devoted member of ATO. Most recently he served as the President of the Emeritus Club of Tulane. After serving in the United States Air Force in the Korean War, he held his first career in insurance. His second career, McIntyre Services, an event planning business he started with his wife, Pat, was built on their zest for life and love of celebrating and entertaining.
Over the years, Bobby was a President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, a Chairman of the Archbishop’s Community Appeal, and a Chairman of The United Way. He was a founding member of the Greater New Orleans Foundation and an involved member in numerous Carnival organizations. In 2012, he was honored as a People’s Health Champion by the New Orleans Saints and People’s Health.
His true passion: jazz. He was a founding member of The Last Straws, a traditional jazz band together for more than 60 years. Without any formal musical training, Bobby played the drums, banjo, and piano. Sing-a-longs with his grandchildren around the piano were commonplace. He worked for years to keep the history of jazz alive and truly always had a song in his heart.
We will miss the ever-present songs and poetry from his lips along with his smiling friendliness for everyone he met. What a truly wonderful world it was with him in it!
Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial services at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 631 State Street, New Orleans, 70118, on Saturday, September 8th, 10:30-12, with mass to follow. Private interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St.
New Orleans, LA 70119 or Manresa House of Retreats, 5858 LA-44 Convent, LA 70723.
