William "Dean" Courtade Jr.

New Orleans lost a bowling icon on Saturday, October 22, 2016. William Dominique Courtade, Jr. also known by bowling community as “Dean” or “Bird” went to be with the Lord. Preceded in death by his former wife, Joyce Materne Courtade; parents, William Dominique Courtade, Sr. and Rose Prestia Courtade; two sisters, Marie Zimmer Courtade and Gloria Courtade Estrade. He is survived by his brothers, Warren Courtade and Ronald Courtade, Sr. and a sister, Joyce Courtade Zimmer. He leaves behind four children; Lynn Dean Courtade, Terry Courtade Bethea, Dean Gerard Courtade, and Tina Courtade Sciambra. Five grandchildren, Dana Bethea Bates, Erin Bethea Plaisance, Lawrence Victor Sciambra, III, William Dominique Sciambra, and Patrick Joyce Sciambra. One great-grandchild Henry Reed Plaisance and countless extended family members. Dean served his country as a member of the United Sates Navy during World War II. He was honorably discharged on November 19th, 1947 with the rank of Yeoman Third, USN. Dean started bowling at the age of fourteen and continued his love of the sport for nearly 75 years. In 1958, Dean was the first bowler to average over 200 for an entire season in the State of Louisiana. He was the Louisiana State Bowling Champion in 1960. He had a high average of 217 and his high series was 788 which he bowled in 1965. He has the distinction of being the first senior to bowl a perfect 300 game on tour in a PBA senior event in 1982. He was a member of the Louisiana USBC Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he became the second recipient of the Lanson Chien Memorial Sportsmanship Award. He was lifelong friend with Carmen Salvino, PBA Hall of Famer.

He was co-owner of several bowling establishments: Fazzio-Courtade Pro Shop, Bridge Bowl, Sugar Bowl Lanes, and Sugar Bowl/Orbit Lanes. His biggest accomplishments can never be measured by statistics alone. It was his willingness to help others, whether with equipment or passing on his bowling knowledge, which could only be gained by experience. For the past five years, Dean supported the Tulane Women’s Bowling Team under the direction of Coach Hayley M. Veitch and Graduate Assistant Coach, Jessica C. Wilk as their #1 Fan. The family wishes to thank Coach Veitch and her ladies for dedicating their 2016-2017 bowling season in honor of our dad, “Mr. Dean”. A “Celebration of Dean’s Life” will be held on Friday, November 4th from 2:00-4:00 at AMF Bowling Center at 3640 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065. The United States Navy Color Guard will present colors and play taps around 3:00. Inurnment will be private at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, LA. Dean donated to and supported many local, state, and national charities. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to your favorite charity, or your church in his honor. The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.