Michael "Mike" C. Ginart Jr.

Born on September 10, 1961, in New Orleans, Louisiana Mike led an extraordinary and remarkable life filled with purpose, generosity, and unwavering strength.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael Charles Ginart, Sr. and Cecelia “Celie” Ginart Tanet; his grandparents Anthony "Tony" Schiro and Ellen DeCourcy Ginart Schiro; his treasured in laws, Howard “Bud” Johnson Jr. and Jane Cadella Johnson; his beloved brother, John Arthur Ginart; his brother in law, Howard “Buddy” Johnson III; his uncle, Rev. Arthur "Fr. Red" Ginart; his former law partner and friend, Richard "Rick" Tonry.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Alice Johnson Ginart; his children, John Claude Ginart (Ashley) and Jayne Cecelia Ginart (Jacob); and his cherished grandchildren, Michael, Averi, and Beau; his sisters, Debbie Ginart Mormino (Bart) and Julie Ginart (Steve); his step father Joseph Tanet; and by Jacqueline Johnson Caminita (Jack) whom he lovingly cared for as her guardian; along with his 13 Godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Mike attended Chalmette High School and earned a full athletic and academic scholarship to Northwestern State University where he excelled on the football field and became a proud first-generation college graduate.

After completing his undergraduate degree in business and distributive education, Mike began working as a teacher with St. Bernard Parish School Board while attending Loyola Law School at night. Mike graduated with his Juris Doctor degree in 1988. He has been self employed in the practice of law since 1989. This marked a beginning of a long, prosperous and deeply respected career serving the people of St. Bernard Parish as an attorney. Mike was a founding partner of Tonry & Ginart which over time evolved into Tonry & Ginart & Jones, Ginart & Jones, and most recently Ginart & Associates Trial Attorneys. Mike was a past president of St. Bernard Parish Bar Association and was nominated by Governor John Bel

Edwards to be Chairman of the Louisiana State Public Defender Board in 2021.

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Mike dedicated himself to the community which he loved. Mike was a little league coach for Rebel Park pre-Katrina and continued on post Katrina for St. Bernard Parish Recreation. In 2007, Mike was elected councilman of District D where he continued his lifelong commitment to public service. He is a founding Board member of Chalmette High School Alumni Association and St. Bernard Parish Irish-Italian Islenos and Canary Island parade for which he served as King in 2010. Mike was also a proud member of the Knights of Nemesis Carnival club and served as King in 2019 and he was honored as the 2003 King of Lourdes. Mike and his family are also parishioners of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church and previously St. Mark’s Catholic Church.

Growing up in a tight-knit family, Mike's grandparents taught him the culture of New Orleans and sparked his love for the city, its people, and the traditions it holds. His father, a well respected citizen as the SBFD Training Chief and longtime Rebel Park coach, inspired Mike's passion for community and serving others. His mother shaped him into the man he became, teaching him what mattered most in life-God and family. His late brother Johnny, Mike's best friend and the source of endless laughter, helped him always see the good in the world. And his sisters were forever by his side, supporting him in everything he did and reminding him that family is the foundation of every joy.

These roots shaped every part of who Mike was his personality, his passions, and the way he moved through life. He carried their lessons and traditions with him in everything he loved to do. An avid Saints fan and loyal season ticket holder, he lived for tailgating and cheering on the Black and Gold. On Friday nights, you could find him supporting the Chalmette High Fighting Owls, a ritual he rarely missed. He spent Mardi Gras on St. Charles Avenue, soaking in the magic of the city with his family by his side. And he cherished the peace and laughter of early morning fishing trips with his closest friends. Mike also loved horse racing making the road trip to Kentucky for the Derby more than a dozen times, owning horses, and frequenting the Fair Grounds, he shared that tradition with his family and friends. Music was one of Mike's love languages, attending the first Friday of Jazz & Heritage Festival religiously for over 30 years. Outside of Jazz Fest, Mike was a familiar patron of Pat O'Brien's and the House of Blues where he found good music and good company.

Mike had the remarkable and innate ability to make life better for anyone fortunate enough to meet him. He was truly a gift to this world, and will be deeply missed by all, but his legacy will live on through his family for generations to come. Some of Mike's last advice to his family was to slow down and enjoy the cherished time with one another, we share this information to you as well. Mike

would have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of kindness, support, and love that has surrounded his family in this time. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to one of Mike's beloved causes: Covenant House New Orleans or The Ginart Family Scholarship, which will provide an annual scholarship to a

Chalmette High School student. To contribute to the scholarship, please mail donations to "The Spirit of St. Bernard Foundation," P.O. Box 212, Arabi, LA 70032.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA.

Visitation on Saturday, December 6, 2025 will be held at OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2621 Colonial Blvd., Violet, LA from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.