Edmond "Chick" Bendernagel, Jr.

Edmond “Chick” Joseph Bendernagel, Jr. died Saturday, August 13, 2022, peacefully in his sleep. He was 87 years old. His parents were Edmond Joseph Bendernagel, Sr. and Elma Camille Landry Bendernagel. He was born on December 19, 1934, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. He was nicknamed “Chick” as a child from a favorite nursery rhyme and he was known by that name throughout his life.

Chick was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Ann, and daughter, Anne Elizabeth. He is survived by his children: Jan Sonnier, Mary “Eesie” Pellessier, John Bendernagel and his wife, Coco; and grandchildren: Celeste Marie Sonnier, Gerard Joseph Sonnier, Jr. and John Gelpi Bendernagel.

Chick grew up in New Orleans and attended Holy Name of Jesus, graduated from Jesuit High School (1952) and Tulane University School of Architecture (1957). He was loyal to his alma maters and lent his talents to each over the years by serving on boards and fund-raising.

He fell in love with Mary Ann Doud while he was in college and they married on June 22, 1957. They were married for 63 years when she passed away on June 28, 2020.

Chick was a proud New Orleanian and relished his family history in this storied city. His family’s ancestry in New Orleans dates to the 1700’s. His grandfather, Albert “Pops” Bendernagel, Sr., architect of many enduring New Orleans landmarks, inspired his love of architecture and professional career. The most enjoyable years of his career were those he worked for Tulane University in the Office of Campus Planning.

His interests were wide and varied making his mind a treasure trove of memories of historical events, politics, scores of college football games, and family history. He loved all things Tulane especially sports and attended as many football, basketball, and baseball games as possible until he could no longer physically do it. He was a voracious reader, dabbled in painting watercolors and photography.

Chick’s family, and especially his grandchildren, were a source of pride and joy and he loved them dearly. He cherished his lifelong friends who were the subjects of much cheerful reminiscing. He was a devoted family man and loved time spent in Pass Christian, Mississippi and later in life at their home on the beach in Pensacola, Florida.

The Bendernagel family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Chick’s caregivers over the years who worked to keep him healthy and happy.

Visitation and funeral services will be Friday, August 26, 2022, at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118. Visitation will begin at 11:30 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. followed by interment at Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 6220 LaSalle Place, New Orleans, LA 70118.

The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com