John David (J.D.) Demarest

John David (J.D.) Demarest, age 69, beloved husband of Marguerite (Peggy) Villere Demarest, died peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2019, after many years of living with Alzheimer’s disease. He was a native of New Orleans with an unwavering love for his city, Mardi Gras and the Saints. J.D. attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Metairie where his classmates and neighbors became life-long friends. He graduated from Jesuit High School and Loyola University. After a number of years in public accounting as a CPA, he became chief financial officer of Production Management and then Southern Holdings and the Woodvine Group. J.D. was a tireless volunteer in numerous civic and religious organizations, serving as president of the West Bank Chamber of Commerce, the Fontainebleau Improvement Association, the Board of Trustees of St. George’s Episcopal School, and the parish council of St. Thomas More Catholic Center at Tulane University. After retirement, he volunteered at Ochsner Medical Center and Second Harvest Food Bank. He was a wonderful father to his children: Elizabeth Shortino (Mike), John David Demarest, Jr. (Virginia), and Marguerite “Mimi” Sandow (Tyler); and grandfather to his grandchildren: Jack, Alex and Julia Shortino, and Luke and James Sandow. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert Aloysius and Katherine Quealy Demarest; his brother and sister-in-law, J. Paul and Joan Demarest; sister-in-law, Carter Demarest; his nephew, Paul G. Demarest; and his step-brother Jack Demarest. He is survived by his brothers Albert Demarest, Jr. (Mary), Ken Demarest (Angela), and step-sister-in-law Janice Demarest. He is also survived by brother-in-law Andre Villere, Jr. (Toots) and sister-in-law Mickie Villere Gomila (John) and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. J.D. never met a stranger, never paid retail, howled at all of his own jokes, and was dearly loved by everyone who came to know him.

A Mass celebrating his life will take place on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 12 noon at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Foundation or a charity of your choice.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com