J. Keefe Hecker

J. Keefe Hecker, a known figure in New Orleans athletics, a devoted educator, and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Keefe was the son of Cornelius and Ruth Hecker. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Cornelius Alfred Hecker III, and his sister, Catherine “Kay” Anne Hecker. A proud graduate of Jesuit High School, Class of 1964, Keefe was a four-sport athlete for four consecutive years. He embodied the Jesuit ideal of being a “Man for Others,” a philosophy that guided his life and career.

Keefe earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola University and a master’s degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University. He returned to Jesuit High School in 1970 to begin his teaching career before moving to Isidore Newman School, where he dedicated 37 years as a coach of football and track and field. Known to generations simply as “Coach Hecker,” he believed the playing field was an arena for shaping character. His leadership helped guide Newman’s track and field teams to back-to-back state championships in 2005 and 2006, yet his greatest pride was never in trophies, but in the integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship of the students he mentored.

In recognition of his lasting impact, the Newman Invitational was renamed the J. Keefe Hecker Newman Track and Field Invitational in 2013. His influence continues to live on through countless former students and athletes who carry his lessons into their own lives.

Keefe’s most cherished role was that of family man. He was the devoted husband of 56 years to Lynn Constantin Hecker. He was a loving and steadfast father to Bradley Keefe Hecker (Lisa), Keflyn Hecker Fransen (Matthew), Kathryn Hecker Mullinax (Timothy), and Michael Drewes Hecker (Katie). Keefe was a proud grandfather to William and Jackson Fransen, John Michael, Henry, Caroline, and Eliza Hecker, and Lillian “Mae Mae” Mullinax. To his family, he was a quiet teacher whose example spoke louder than words.

Keefe and Lynn spent the last twelve years residing in Pass Christian, MS. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Family Parish. Keefe’s legacy is one of humility, perseverance, and class. He finished his race with faith and grace.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Keefe’s life on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. The visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the funeral mass at 12:00 p.m. at. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.