Robert Joseph Bodet

Robert Joseph Bodet, Jr. passed away on the morning of November 15, 2023, four days before his 68th birthday. He left us embraced by the loving arms of his three daughters, Frances, Cecile, and Libby, and his wife, Elizabeth Goliwas Bodet. Bob loved all of his girls “to the sky and back infinity times.” He was a man of a deep Christian faith who now understands the mysteries he has so profoundly prayed about throughout his life.

Bobby was born on November 19, 1955, in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Barksdale Air Force Base, where his father served as a Captain. He later grew up in his beloved New Orleans. Bob filled his heart with love from his family, including his two brothers, W. Scott Bodet (Eileen) and Christopher Shaw Bodet (Tiche) and six nieces and nephews: Darren (Ashleigh), Jayme Bodet Sadik (Jonathan), Stephanie, Christopher, Adrien Paul (†), Logan Marie, and five great-nieces and great-nephews: Ella and Chloe Bodet; Joshua, Michael, and Madelyn Sadik. He is now joyfully reunited with his devoted mother and father, Jane Houston Craddock Bodet (†) and Robert J. Bodet (†).

He was a 1973 De La Salle graduate, where he met his “Best Man” on the first day of eighth grade. He was proud to lead the Cavalier band by striking the glockenspiel. He continued his love of his alma mater by supporting the Alumni Association, which was mostly an excuse to enjoy the camaraderie of those friends he met and kept from many years ago. Through the years, he was active in planning the annual class reunions.

Bob received a Bachelor of Architecture in 1985 from Louisiana State University, where he formed many treasured memories. The most important thing he took with him from LSU was the lifelong friendships he made on Carlotta Street. Together, they enjoyed a great European adventure for the ages.

His love and mastery of the art of designing and building are demonstrated throughout the city. New Orleans is marked by structures that Bob created that will long be part of our community. His career started at the prestigious Perez Architects, where he worked on projects including the Veterans Administration Hospital Expansion and Renovation, New Orleans Convention Center, and the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition, better known as the New Orleans World’s Fair. From there, he went on to work with John T. Campo and later worked with the renowned architect Arthur Davis on many projects throughout the city. Projects of note included the Newcomb Art School, The Hotel Intercontinental, and many others. He later started his own firm and worked “for himself and by himself” ever since.

On a biweekly basis, Walt Handelsman, Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for The Times-Picayune, draws an editorial cartoon but leaves the caption blank. He challenges readers to fill in the blank with something “witty, funny, crazy, absurd or snarky,” characteristics Bob personified. Walt would select one winner and 20 “finalists of the several hundred submissions.” Bob regularly appeared as a finalist, and in April 2022, Bob’s caption was selected as the winner; he received a personal call from Mr. Handelsman congratulating him on being chosen for this coveted award.

Bob had a great compassion for animals, the ones with whom he shared his life and all those he did not. He served as Director of the Board of the Jefferson Parish SPCA for many years, a position he loved.

He was an avid runner and was proud to complete the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon with his dear friend at his side. He also completed the Chicago Half Marathon and will always be known by some as Eleven Mile Bob (not because he did not finish the race.)

There was always a bubbling pot or a searing grill at the Bodet home; Bob was an exceptional cook who knew how to roast a chicken. He loved to prepare daily meals for his family and special holiday meals, often for over twenty guests, that required a week’s preparation, but he enjoyed every minute of it.

Bob was a big man with a huge heart who gave to many.

Most importantly, in the end, love won.

Please join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday morning, December 2, at Basilica of St. Stephen, 1025 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans. Visitation begins at 9:30, followed by a Mass at 11:00am. Graveside services and a private burial in Metairie Cemetery will follow at a later date. An online guestbook is available at www.lakelawnmetairie.com