Ernest Joseph Stephens Jr.

Ernest Joseph Stephens, Jr., Age 87, a native of New Orleans, LA and a long-time resident of St. Bernard and Tangipahoa Parishes, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Mr. Stephens was born on April 27, 1938. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Florence Becnel Stephens, Children: Ernest Joseph Stephens III (Stephanie), Mark Joseph Stephens (Rhonda), and Kristine Stephens Castillo. He was blessed with grandchildren: Ernest Joseph Stephens IV (Heather), Jacob Ryan Stephens (Karlee), Courtney Stephens Delhom (Brian), Nicholas Roques and Blake Stephens. Great-grandchildren: Sydney Stephens, Maci Stephens, Luke Stephens, Maevery Stephens, Zayden Stephens and Grace Stephens. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest J. Stephens Sr., Mary Auteri Stephens, brothers: Salvador James Stephens, Salvador Stephens, and Edward Frank Stephens.

He had a distinguished law enforcement career of 35 years. From 1968-1994, he was employed by the Orleans Levee District Police and completed the N.O.P.D. Academy Class #50. He was promoted through the ranks and received Awards of Merit for outstanding Police work. He was promoted to Major - Chief of the New Orleans Lake Front Airport Crash-Fire and Rescue Division, retiring in 1994. In 1995, he began his second law enforcement career with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Department attaining the rank of Sergeant, retiring in 2005. He was also employed by St. Bernard Parish as a Firefighter-pumper operator from 1967-1970. He was an amateur boxer, well-known in the boxing circles of the New Orleans and the Italian CYO. In 1957, he won the 17th Naval District Championship light-heavyweight division title bout. In 1959, he had six pro bouts. He retired his gloves in 1960. He was a devout catholic, alter- boy, catechism teacher, and he loved his family.

Relatives, friends and members of the Orleans Levee District, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Department are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM. A funeral mass will begin at 1:00PM. Burial will follow in ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL GARDENS.