Irving R. Forestier, Sr., a lifelong resident of Metairie, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 8, 2018 at the age of 89. He was born on July 15, 1929 to the late Louis and Agnes Dillmann Forestier. He was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine Dawson, his brother (baby) Louis, his sister Gladys F. Meibaum and, later in life, by his companion, Faye Foss. Irving is survived by his sister Lorraine F. Alfred. He was the cherished patriarch of his family and will be dearly missed by his children Ray and Rubye Forestier, Kathy Forestier, Karen F. & John Orazio, and Kim F. & Mark Becker, Sr. He was adored by his grandchildren Tray Forestier, Larry Forestier, Kurt Goodrich, Kyle Goodrich, Tony Orazio, Sunnie Orazio-Johnson, Amie B. Guillie and Mark Becker, Jr. along with his many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
As a boy Irving helped his father and mother in their house flipping endeavors by offering whatever handyman labor a boy of his size could handle and as a young teen he found employment with a nearby bakery making donuts for Sunday mornings. By the time he graduated from St. Aloysius High he was designing and decorating wedding cakes. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served with the 341st Combat Engineers in Korea. After receiving a degree in drafting from Delgado he was employed by Chevron Oil where he worked in their New Orleans headquarters until his retirement in the 80’s. He was a life member of VFW 6640 and American Legion Post 175. He was also a beloved life member of the Elks Lodge #30 where he developed many lifelong friendships.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, November 16th at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 5190 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA. Condolences may be left to the family at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.
