Henry J. Burch

Henry Joseph Burch, born July 5, 1931, passed away at the age of 88 surrounded by family on Friday, September 13, 2019, a harvest moon. He was the 9th of 10 children born in Vacherie, La to Stephen Burch and Eva (Waguespack) Burch. Henry’s father drove a delivery truck for Regal Beer in New Orleans while his mother was a homemaker. Henry attended Holy Cross where he boarded from 5th grade to graduation.

He earned a degree in Business Administration from Loyola of New Orleans, where he met his first wife, Odessa Elston. Following a stint in the army, he became an insurance and commercial real estate agent, eventually investing in the long-term care industry. He was an active member of the American Healthcare Association and served as president of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association (LNHA). He took great pride in his role at LNHA where he formed many lifelong friendships and was a generous mentor within the industry.

Henry was an optimist and a colorful character. He loved music, dancing, sailing, cigars and was a gifted whistler! Henry had fun wherever he went and especially loved spending time with family and friends.

Henry is survived by his wife Sandra Durbin Burch, six biological children and their spouses, Renee, Elise (Jim) Kerl, Felix (Chipley), Paula (Donald) Celentano, Guy (Peggy), and Jeffery (Katherine), two stepdaughters, Shannon (Cameron) Cantrelle, Desiree (Matthew) Day, 18 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Metairie Healthcare Center and Harmony Hospice for the loving care Henry received in his final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans, on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 1 PM. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. Interment will follow Mass in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association, 3445 N Causeway Blvd Metairie, LA 70002.

To view and sign the family guest book, visit lakelawnmetairie.com