Jacob John Foto

Jacob John Foto, known to all who loved him as Jake, passed away on March 31, 2026, at the age of 76. Born to the late Dominic J. and Angelina Christina Foto, Jake was shaped by the rich culture and deep family bonds for which New Orleans is known.

After high school, Jake enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with courage and distinction in the Vietnam War where he was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other campaign medals.

After his years of service, Jake built a life filled with love, loyalty, and laughter. He shared that life with his wife, Mary Gail Heffron Foto, for just shy of 40 years. Together they created a home where family meant everything and where the sounds of a Saints game were nothing short of sacred. Jake’s spirit will live on in every family gathering, every Saints touchdown, and every bowl of gumbo shared among his family and friends.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Dominic Foto, Mary Angelique Foto, RSM (née Catherine), Marian Weilbaecher, and Anthony Foto; and Rose Rita Christina. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their family: Salvador “Sal” Christina (Margaret), Angelina “Angie” Christina, Saverio “Shava” Christina, Lauren Christina (Jessica Ward), Joseph "Roch" Weilbaecher (Kat), Dominic Weilbaecher (Amy), Desiree Adams (Phil), and several great- nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to the Visitation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Mass at noon at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 4317 Richland Avenue, Metairie, Louisiana. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.