Francis P. Moises

Francis, who was born May 6, 1949, in New Orleans, is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jennifer Raymond; his two sons, Christian (Stephanie) and Cameron (Kathleen); his grandson, John; his three sisters, Mary, Giselle, and Marlene (Brian); his two brothers, Eddie and James; and three nieces and three nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Odi and Edward Moises, and his beloved dog, Taxi.

He graduated from the University of New Orleans in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in communications, where he served as president of Lamba Chi Alpha and played in the Privateer Band. He continued to attend basketball games at his alma mater for many years.

DE LA SALLE

Francis graduated from De La Salle in 1967 and remained an active alum. He returned to his alma mater later in his career, starting as admissions director, where he helped admit the first class of girls as the school transitioned to becoming co-ed. He later transitioned into other roles as alumni director before entering the classroom as a religion teacher. He devoted his life to the school, and there isn't a student, faculty member, or alum he met that he didn’t remember and ask about. It’s no surprise one of his biggest passions was the Ambassadors committee he launched to share the great things happening on The Avenue.

MILITARY CAREER

Francis served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Navy as a flight deck control communications petty officer in charge of the U.S.S. Hancock. Upon returning home, he joined the U.S. Naval Air Reserves as an in-flight communications operator, instructor, and evaluator on P-2 Neptunes and P-3 Orions with Patrol Squadron VP-94 Crawfishers out of N.A.S. Joint Reserve Base Belle Chasse before receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of petty officer first class (E-6) in 1994 after 26 and a half years of service.

His military decorations include receiving the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal twice, being named Sailor of the Year for VP-94, and earning his U.S. Naval Air Crewman Designation. He also was a member of American Legion Post 307.

Francis loved his military career and the life-long friends he made, always wearing and traveling with his Navy polos and hats, often sharing stories of his tours of duties around the world, and finding a fellow veteran wherever he went. While he wasn’t much of a sports fan, he always watched the Army-Navy game every year.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Francis also was a fixture in the New Orleans business community. He served 11 years as director of member services and development with the Chamber of Commerce for New Orleans, where he helped launch the region’s small business development council. His work with the Chamber spilled over to the community, having served on the United Way of Greater New Orleans’ Small Business Campaign Team, and as chairman and vice-chairman of the U.S. Small Business Administration-Louisiana District Advisory Committee.

His contributions to the business community also included stints as vice president of membership with the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, director of member services and special projects/events with the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, and director of member services and special projects/events with the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association, where he was involved with post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Francis always believed in giving back to his community, and while his involvement is too numerous to list everything, Francis was most proud of his roles on the Jefferson Parish Public Schools System’s Superintendent Search Committee and the East Bank Parents Advisory Council, his support of his sons’ Boy Scout troops, and serving as Red Cross Director at St. Anthony of Padua for Hurricane Betsy recovery relief.

A LITTLE ABOUT FRANCIS

Francis loved Mardi Gras, never missing a parade, always running to the front to see the De La Salle band march by or say hi to a friend chaperoning with their child’s marching group. He never met a stranger and always asked to speak to the manager to compliment a server if he got good service at a restaurant. Francis was a very giving man and always made sure his family never went without. And given his love for De La Salle, it's no surprise he lived the New Orleans motto more than anyone, asking everyone he encountered (even strangers), “Where did you go to high school?” which he was always ready to name their mascot, find someone he knew as a mutual connection, or make a joke if it was a De La Salle competitor.

ARRANGEMENTS

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 21 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 4640 Canal Street, New Orleans, followed by a Funeral Mass at 4 p.m. He will be inurned at a later date in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell. In lieu of flowers, Francis requested to have donations made to De La Salle High School of New Orleans or a Parkinson’s or dementia organization of your choice.

The family would like to thank the teams at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home and Lakeside Hospice, especially his nurse, Erin, and his music therapist, Carrisa, for their care and support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the Moises family.