Jefferson Joseph Gillane Jr.

Jeff was born on September 7, 1946, in New Orleans, LA, at The Old Hotel Dieu Hospital to Jefferson Gillane Sr. and Rita Arthur Gillane. A proud graduate of Alcee Fortier High School Class of 1964, Jeff subsequently attended McNeese State University for two years, where he was a member of the McNeese Cowboy Band, playing the French Horn. It was there that he met his beloved wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Swafford Gillane (Jackie). After the passing of his father, Jeff transferred to Delgado Community College to alleviate the financial burden on his mother. Jeff enjoyed a distinguished 52-year career as a draftsman, working with Folgers, J. Ray McDermott (including a memorable three-month assignment in Singapore), Cyanamid, and Shell Offshore. During his 21-year tenure at Shell Offshore, he excelled as an instrumentation designer, creating an instrumentation catalog still in use by Shell designers worldwide.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jeff shared his family's passion for music-making by playing in the New Orleans Concert Band for 25 years. He was still making music with the Jefferson Community Band until July of this year. He was also an avid supporter of local events, frequently attending festivals, school parish fairs, Mardi Gras, and the Irish-Italian parades. He held season tickets for the Tulane Green Wave Football program and the New Orleans Pelicans for many years, along with being a devoted 52-year, season ticket holder for the New Orleans Saints.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Jackie; his son, Jefferson Gillane, III; and his daughter, Bridget Gillane.

The visitation and funeral services will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Graveside services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Animal Rescue New Orleans (https://animalrescueneworleans.org/).

Jeff will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.