Paul F. Deister

Paul F. Deister, age 73, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, with his beloved wife by his side in Houston, TX, at MD Anderson. Born May 26, 1953, in Queens, New York. In 1977, Paul moved to New Orleans and years later made his home in Hahnville, Louisiana, building a life defined by steady dedication, wide-ranging curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Paul graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology and Oceanography. He held a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s License as Third Mate. Those early achievements reflected a disciplined mind and a lifelong desire to understand the forces of sea and sky—qualities that would remain evident throughout his years of work and the many interests that filled his days.

After moving to New Orleans in 1977, Paul began a distinguished 49-year career in the marine industry. His professional path included, Marine Office of America Corporation in New Orleans (MOAC), K.P. Helmrich & Associates - Surveyor, International Marine Casualty Services, Inc. – Principal Surveyor, Entergy & Marine Associates, Inc. (ENMAR) – Principal Surveyor, M.J. Schiel & Associates, Inc. – Marine Surveyor, Delta Marine Surveyors, LLC – President/Owner, Dufour, Laskay & Associates – NAMS-CMS, Bayou Fleet, Inc. – General Manager and Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc (DLS). – NAMS-CMS-ASA-NACE. For 28 years, DLS was his employer, where he served as an ASA Appraiser and Hull & Machinery Surveyor. Paul pursued extensive education and certification, including American Society of Appraisers (ASA Senior Accredited Appraiser), NAMS, CMS, NDT School, NACE Corrosion School, and 24-hour Hazwoper (certified in vapor recovery). His work was marked by careful judgment, thoroughness, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Paul’s love of the outdoors began in childhood, growing up on the foothills of the mountains in upstate New York that served as his playground, and it stayed with him for the rest of his life. He found lasting joy in hiking, exploring, fishing, golfing, target shooting, bird watching, camping, swimming, stargazing, and even in quiet moments—watching a simple sunset, including once catching sight of the “green flash.” He also enjoyed extensive world traveling for both work and pleasure, embracing new places with genuine interest and delight.

His passions were many and personal: riding his Harley, collecting crystals, dragons, and seashells, and tinkering in his garage to bring back to life or rebuild—different vintage “things.” Paul also devoted many years to rescuing, caring for, and loving numerous cats and dogs, offering them comfort and a home through his steady kindness. He had a passion for studying shipwrecks of the ages and their recovery or findings. He also took the greatest pleasure in wine tasting, collecting, sharing, and learning all about the process and vineyards. Australia was his favorite wine trip. Reva, Alban Estate Syrah 2005, Edna Valley was his favorite wine of all. Above all, and truly first in his life, was the love of his life—his wife.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Rivenburg Deister, and his father, Gustave F. Deister. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Deborah Anderson Deister of Hanville, LA; step-daughter, Amanda Logan of Monroe, LA; brother, Peter Diester (Margaret) of Amenia, New York; sister, Barbara Lisi (Paul) of Lansing, New York; nephews, Matt (Jessica), Austin (Cameron), and Joey (Tracey), all of New York; sisters-in-law, Tammy Abadie (Wayne), Pamela Folse (Damian), and brother-in-law, Daniel Anderson (Marcia) all of Luling, LA.

Mrs. Paul Deister and his family would like to thank the doctors and all medical staff for their care and compassion while being treated at Ochsner Benson Cancer Center, Ochsner Kenner Interventional Radiology, and MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, their Emergency Department, and their Intensive Care Unit.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paul F. Deister may be made to either:

The Sarcoma Foundation of America to support research and improve the lives of those affected by sarcoma. Memorial contributions can be made online at https://curesarcoma.org or by check to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, 7700 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 310, Bethesda, MD 20814.

The Metairie Humane Society online at https://metairiehumane.org/donations/ or by check to Metairie Humane Society, 6213 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70003.

A Visitation will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, Louisiana 70006, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, immediately followed by a Memorial Service in the Leitz-Eagan Chapel.