Andre Julien Casadaban

Andre Julien Casadaban, born October 18, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 95. Andre lived a life marked by steady devotion—to faith, to family, to country, and to the everyday duties that quietly define a good and honorable man.

Andre earned a BA in Business Administration from Southeastern University and devoted his working life to the insurance profession, serving as an insurance adjustor throughout his career and retiring at the age of 72. He also served his nation as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, where he was a Medic during the Korean War.

Andre was active in many roles and ministries, including KC at St. Angela Merici, as well as serving as a lector, usher, and choir member. He was also involved with the Widow/Widowers Club at St. Clement of Rome, Naim, and Pelican Squares, a square dance organization. In his professional community, he served as Former President of the Insurance Adjustors Association.

Andre’s interests were rich and varied, shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a sincere appreciation for history and tradition. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting at Dr. Chris Cenac’s camp in South Louisiana and took pride in being a domestic farmer who kept a vegetable garden. He loved everything “country,” and could often be found in his cowboy hat, listening to old country music. He traveled the world, including China, Europe, Australia, Russia, and Africa, and he found genuine enjoyment in square dancing and in time spent outdoors with those he loved.

He especially treasured family experiences—vacationing together, gathering for reunions, and sharing the kind of simple, lasting moments that become family legacy. Andre took every grandchild on a covered wagon trip to the Teton Mountains, a gift of time and attention that remains a cherished memory. He also delighted in canoeing down the Buffalo River with his children and was faithfully present for the people and events that mattered most. With his wife, he was actively involved in the Brother Martin Wrestling organization and never missed a match of his sons or grandson.

Andre’s love of learning and respect for truth showed in his devotion to history—he loved reading books on World War II and enjoyed historical documentaries, choosing never to watch or read fiction. Yet alongside that seriousness of mind was a spirited warmth: Andre was a “big time jokester,” known for keeping a pocket full of jokes ready for anyone who would listen—whether in the aisles at Dorignac’s or even shared with priests at church. His easy humor and genuine friendliness made him memorable to strangers and beloved by those who knew him well.

Andre volunteered for many years at EJGH, where he endeared himself to the staff through his consistent presence and kind regard for others.

Andre was preceded in death by his wife, of 25 year,, MaryAnn Sciortino; his parents, Anna Alspach and Leon Casadaban; and his brothers, Paul and Marcel Casadaban.

Survivors include his children, Melissa Cooper, Michel “Mike” (Juanita), Maurice (Andree), Melissa “Missy” (Terry), Rene, and Eugene “Gene/Louis” (Christine); his grandchildren, Kathy Holmes (Ronnie), Michelle Wilson (Kenny), Blythe Cullom, Jessie Rettinger (David), Joanna Farley (Joe), Dominic Casadaban (Margaret), Mary Ann Riley (Aaron), JC Jatho, Julien Jatho, Krista Jatho, Tia Kardynal (Stephen), Kegan Casadaban, Kelly Gambino, Tony Gambino, and Connor Casadaban; his great-grandchildren, Hannah Pankratz, Sabrina Walters, Trevor Holmes, Ryan Holmes, Adelaide Cullom “Addie”, Rosalie Cullom “Rosie”, Violet Cullom, Evelyn Rettinger “Evie”, Andree Rettinger, Vivienne Rettinger, Leo Rettinger, Leonie Farley, Renzi Farley, Isaac Casadaban, Lola Casadaban, Gianna Casadaban, Olivia Rodriguez, Amelia Rodriguez, Audrey Rougeau, and Beau Rougeau.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living; Hospice Specialists; Veterans Administration Social Services; and Wendy White, his VA sitter, for their care and support.

Visitation will be held at St Clement of Rome, 4317 Richland Avenue, Metairie, Louisiana, on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 pm, with Fr. Beau Charbonnet celebrating. A rosary will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will take place at Lake Lawn Park.