Charles Robert Diermann, Jr.

Charlie is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Susan “Susie” Ardoin Diermann; his four children, Denise Diermann Galloway (Bill), Donna Diermann Soper (Will), Dawn Diermann Treigle, and Charles Robert Diermann III (Amy); eight grandchildren, Austin Clay Soper (Emily), Tristan Killgore Diermann (O’Brien), Corey Scott Soper, Lucy Claire Galloway, Jacob Charles Treigle, Charlotte Anne Galloway, Libby Valentino-Richardson, and Harry Mills Treigle; two great-granddaughters, Anna Claire Soper and Chloe Mae Soper; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Robert Diermann, Sr., and Mary Borman Diermann; and two sisters, Gloria Holmes Cusimano and Charleene Diermann Serio.

A New Orleanian all of his life, Charlie was born on July 4, 1940. He went to Annunciation Grammar School where he was an altar server and named “Ideal Boy” in 8th grade. He received a full academic scholarship to Holy Cross High School and graduated in 1958. He then attended Louisiana State University New Orleans (LSUNO), before embarking upon a 40-year career in the shipping industry. For many years, he was president of TMT Shipping & Chartering at the former World Trade Center in New Orleans, a position that provided Charlie and Susie the opportunity to travel with colleagues and friends. During his professional life, he served on the board of directors of the World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans, and he held memberships with the New Orleans Board of Trade, International House and the Plimsoll Club. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution genealogical society.

Charlie was a lifelong Catholic, marrying his senior prom date and the love of his life, Susie, at St. James Major Church on Aug. 18, 1962. Their wedding took place one month after Susie’s father passed away, and the couple soon welcomed her mother into their home. Charlie and Susie raised their children in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, where the family was active for many years. In retirement, Charlie continued to honor his faith by serving on the board of Catholic Community Foundation and volunteering at the St. Louis Cathedral and the Old Ursuline Convent.

Charlie loved his native New Orleans and relished every opportunity to share the city’s unique culture and cuisine with family, friends and business associates. For the last 10 years, he enjoyed a Wednesday night ritual with dear friends and Holy Cross classmates at Ye Olde College Inn.

Charlie had a terrific sense of humor and a thousand watt smile that charmed friends and strangers alike. He was a hobbyist carpenter; he could fix anything; and he was a fabulous cook—all qualities his family and friends duly appreciated. He was also a loyal fan of the Holy Cross Tigers, the LSU Tigers, the New Orleans Saints and, more recently, each of the universities his grandchildren attended.

Most of all, Charlie was a generous man, kind and loving to his family, and considerate and helpful to anyone he encountered. He also had many nicknames, but the one he was most proud of was Pops. Throughout his life, his greatest passion was his wife, his children and his grandchildren and being present for and supportive of their every pursuit.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, LA, 70005, at 1:30 p.m., preceded by visitation at 12:30 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Holy Cross High School New Orleans, the St. Louis Cathedral, or Catholic Community Foundation.