Jacques "Harry" Roman III

Jacques “Harry” Roman III, passed away peacefully in his home of 63 years on April 22nd. Born in 1935, Harry was a lifelong resident of New Orleans and grew up in Mid-City. He attended St. Anthony, Jesuit, and Tulane University where he met the love of his life, Cynthia “Cindy” Fernandez Roman. After graduation, Cindy and Harry married in 1958 and he spent the next 40+ years working for his wife’s family’s business, Café Du Monde. Cindy and Harry spent 57 years together until Cindy passed away in 2016. During those years, they raised four children: Jacques “Jay” Roman (Yvette), Denise Roman Mesa (Joe), Celeste Roman, Nicole Roman Escarra (Scott). They have 7 grandchildren: Jacques (Kelcey), Ashley, Emily (Ian), Kevin (Erin), Tyler (Jordan), Paige, and Audrey, and 4 great-grandchildren; Clyde, Celia, Sunny, and Ezra.

Harry had a lifelong love of travel, mostly by cruise ship. Harry and Cindy saw most of the world during their years together. They would have seen more, if not for Cindy’s dislike of air travel. As they would tell it, Harry had a fear of snakes and Cindy offered to fly more frequently if Harry would do so with a snake in his lap.

Harry was a very easygoing, independent person. He was affectionately referred to as “The Cactus” because all he required was a little water, preferably obtained by swimming in his backyard, and some sunshine to bask in. Eventually the cactus needed a bit of help, and for that the family would like to sincerely thank those that aided him during his later years: Maribel, Kynnyotta, Gina, Mark, the wonderful team from Home Instead (Charlie, Darleen, Emilia, Michelle, Deidre, Nyra, and Lyndsey), and Georgette with Hospice Associates.

A funeral mass was held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Interment followed at Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that you gather with family or friends for a meal. While enjoying each other’s company, have a couple of Sazerac’s and tell a few stories about Harry, the funnier the better. Harry would love this as some of his happiest moments happened around a dinner table and we know he’s happy to be back at the table with Cindy and the rest of the family. He has so much to tell them. One thing’s for sure, they will not run out of food or drink.