George Gay

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Connie Cahill Gay; his children, John Paul (Heather), James Ellery and Mary Gay Schmitz (Michael) and his grandchildren, Audrey, Olivia and Phillip Schmitz; his sister, Jean Gay Talbot; his cousins, Mary Ellen Gillespie Denning of Covington, LA, Leonard Alberstadt of Nashville, TN and Richard Alberstadt of Metairie, LA and. Shirley Alberstadt Bailey, of Cornelius, NC and many friends.

In death he joins his son Robert Grange "Hunkie" Gay (1961-'63) and his parents Robert Grange Gay (born in Little Rock, Arkansas) and Gladys (Fisher) Gay (born in New Orleans).

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Bob was a graduate of Jesuit High School ('54) and Loyola University ('59) where he was a member of Beggars Fraternity, serving as president his senior year. Connie Cahill, then a senior at Ursuline Academy, was using the Loyola library to research a term paper and asked for help from the smitten Bob Gay. They were wed on September 17th, 1960 upon Connie’s graduation from the Mercy School of Nursing.

Mr. Gay, along with his father, was happily employed for many years with N.E. England and Associates Insurance Agency. He later joined several colleagues to form IIA (Independent Insurance Agents) which thrived at its Baronne Street location for many years until being sold in 2007.

Mr. Gay's slender frame was well known on New Orleans golf courses through his memberships in the Audubon, Lakewood and Metairie Country Clubs; where he loved hanging out with "his men." He generously hosted an annual trip to Destin Florida where friends and family have gathered for over 45 years.

He took up sculpting in retirement and surprised many with the whimsical figurines and detailed miniature houses he created.

But perhaps Bob was known for his dry sense of humor, easy-going nature and gentle acceptance of others. "There are all kinds of people in this world," he recently said, "in all colors, shapes, sizes and orientations. It is our job to love and accept them for who they are."

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.