Davyd Frank Mayer

Davyd Frank Mayer passed away on November 28, 2025, in New Orleans, surrounded by the family he loved. Born on September 2, 1950, to Dan and Gloria Mayer, Davyd grew up in a close-knit New Orleans family that shaped his lifelong love of people, place, and connection.

A proud graduate of De La Salle High School and the University of Notre Dame, Davyd built a career as both a business development specialist and an attorney. He had a natural gift for relationships—observant, astute, endlessly friendly—and he exemplified the art of knowing somebody wherever he went. Like his father before him, Davyd was an exceptional salesman, respected by colleagues and warmly regarded by clients, neighbors, and the many communities he touched.

Davyd married Laurie Forstall Mayer, and together they raised a large, close, glad family. He is survived by his children Sara Gootee (Ryan), Ryan Mayer (Meg), Joshua Mayer, Leslie Ann Mayer, and Scott Mayer; his grandchildren Grace, Harrison, and Henry Gootee; June, Alice, Jonah, and Grant Mayer; and Luna Craig; his siblings Sandra Staub, Michael Mayer, and sister-in-law Lorenza Mayer. He is preceded in death by his beloved siblings Julie Kent and Danny Mayer.

Davyd lived Louisiana culture the way it’s meant to be lived: with a fishing pole, a crab trap, a big pot for making seafood gumbo, and as much time as possible near the water. He was a gifted cook. He created a haven in a little camp in Bucktown. He was a devoted steward and champion of the legendary beach house, Minigoat, at Pensacola Beach. He loved doing the Mardi Gras truck parade with his kids and was once a cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints. He loved his many nieces and nephews and was thrilled in having all the cousins close-knit. More than anything, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, finding continual joy in being “Pops.”

Davyd was a good friend to his friends, a warm presence to everyone he encountered, a connector of people, and the kind of man who made life feel a little lighter. His humor, generosity, and unmistakable New Orleans spirit will be deeply missed—and joyfully remembered by everyone lucky enough to have known him.

Visitation will begin at 9:30am Friday, December 5, 2025 at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA followed by the funeral Mass at noon.