Loved and proud to be his Wife of 33 years, Maureen O’Connor Austin, Brother of Doris Gagnard. Brother-in-law of Ronald O’Connor, Joseph O’Connor Jr. (Nita) and deceased John E. O’Connor (Marina). Stepfather of Kellie Windom (Tim), Pamela Lane (Steve). Father of Bernard David (deceased), Jeffrey Sr (deceased) and Michelle Hosli (Edwin). Grandfather of Justin LeBlanc (Amanda), Laney Weber (Ryan), Taylor Windom, Gabrielle and Christian Hosli, Jacob Hosli (deceased), Jeffrey Austin Jr (deceased), Joseph Austin, Kristin Austin, Michael Austin. Preceded in death by Parents, Pauline Filippone Austin, Alexander Cameron Austin and Sister, Susan Varvaro.
He was a native of New Orleans residing in Metairie for over 50 years. In 1974, he received a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree majoring in psychology from Loyola University New Orleans. Bernard’s employment in the outdoor advertising industry began in 1955 when he was hired as an artist. His career progressed from artist to art director, paint superintendent, account executive, local sales manager to national sales manager. He shared his knowledge of the advertising industry by lecturing at the University of New Orleans, Loyola University and Tulane University and by training numerous newly hired employees. His sincerity, humor and wit endeared him to his colleges and his many clients. As president of the Advertising Club of New Orleans, he was named President of the Year by the American Advertising Federation. Bernard had served on the board of directors for the Better Business Bureau for many years. A past member of the Knights of Columbus for 10 years and named Knight of the Year by his council for his outstanding contributions.
His passions in life were cooking, being with his friends, family and enjoyed the camaraderie of his buddies at Warrior Lodge. He enjoyed racquetball, bicycling and running until his first stroke nearly 8 years ago. As a young man, Bernard, was honored to be in the National Guard of Louisiana 39th Infantry for 10 years and played trumpet in the infantry band. He was an insatiable reader especially WWII history and military aircraft. Bernard also piloted small seaplanes with supplies to oilrigs in the gulf in his younger years.
He was a kind, compassionate man who was faith-driven. His love for the Blessed Mother encouraged friends & family to pray the rosary.
Special thanks to some of Bernard’s caregivers over the past 7.5 years from Home Instead Senior Care: Gesielle, Romana, Candice, Nancy, Norman and especially Kalish who loved and cared for him during the past 5 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00p.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 4921 West Metairie Avenue, Metairie, Louisiana celebrated by Reverend Kevin T. DeLerno. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and a graveside service will follow the Mass at All Saints Mausoleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to this wonderful veterans foundation:
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate/ Visit their web site to learn more:
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/veterans-charity-overview/
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