Charles Pierre Carriere, III

Charles Pierre Carriere, III passed away while on hold…listening to recorded messages…waiting to be transferred to another department…and talking with technical support. Well, it really didn’t happen that way, but for the last few years of his life, he was certain that it would.

Charles actually died peacefully in his sleep, a graceful end to a blessed and full life. “Taz” as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren and their friends, was known for saying “any better and I couldn’t stand it” when asked how he was. To all who knew him he was the eternal optimist, always ready with a joke or a song.

A graduate of Holy Name of Jesus School, Charles attended Woodberry Forest School for two years before returning to New Orleans and graduating from Isidore Newman School. He was the first in his family to earn a college degree, receiving his BA and JD from Tulane University before marrying his wife Cynthia. He served in the United States Navy as a member of the first JAG corps class. He sold insurance and practiced law but was fond of pointing out that he was nevertheless a good man. Charles’s true gift was writing. He penned school plays, follies, poems, commercials, and songs. He did most of his writing in beautiful calligraphy, and notes to friends and family became cherished keepsakes. In 2004 he self published a novel, Dupree’s Crude War. He leaves behind an unfinished memoir, titled “Man, Did I Laugh.” He loved to be surrounded by family and friends, singing, playing guitar, telling stories and laughing. We know that is how we will remember him best.

Taz was devoted to and is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Cynthia Doyle Carriere, as well as his beloved sister, Constance Carriere Barkley. He is also survived by his four children, Charles Carriere (Leslie), Vaughn Carriere Downing (Doug), Cynthia Carriere Sewell (Sean) and Michael Carriere (Carrie). He was so proud of his ten grandchildren, Michael Downing, Maggie Malone, Andrew Downing, Ellen Carriere, Colette Carriere, Jackson Koerner, James Downing, Luc Carriere, Chase Koerner and Tess Carriere as well as his two step-granddaughters, Camille Sewell and Mignon Sewell. One of his favorite pastimes was supporting them in their academic, artistic and athletic endeavors. He loved his many cousins as well as his 30 nieces and nephews who called him “Big Charles.”

He is preceded in death by some and survived by many of a lifelong group of friends who call themselves “the 21” along with their spouses and children. A host of other hooligans and ruffians were proud to call him friend.

His family is so grateful to the amazing staff at Covenant Nursing Home who have cared for and loved Cynthia and Charles for the past two years.

For those who had the good fortune of knowing Charles/Taz, please join his family at Bruno’s Tavern, 7538 Maple Street on Saturday, March 29 between the hours of 1:30 and 4:00 pm to celebrate his life. In lieu of funeral attire, please wear Bruno’s appropriate clothing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pro Bono Publico Foundation, Covenant Nursing Home or a charity of your choice that connects you with him.