John Howard Blanke

A native New Orleanian, Jack grew up in the Broadmoor area. He graduated from Ecole Classique High School in 1965 and Loyola University of New Orleans in 1969. Jack began a 40-year career in banking at the original Bank of New Orleans before retiring from Metairie Bank in 2013. Jack sat on the Board of Trustees at the Academy of the Sacred Heart and the Board of Directors of Metairie Bank.

A friend to all, and quick with a joke, Jack’s world was his family, his cats, good barbecue, and LSU football. Throughout his life, he enjoyed attending his daughters’ and granddaughters’ athletic events at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. An avid sailor, he grew up sailing at the Bay Saint Louis Yacht Club and later raced his Rhodes 19 at the Southern Yacht Club. In his retirement, he particularly enjoyed photography and long walks on the levee with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Hermann Blanke and Ida Songy Blanke; his brothers Harry “Sonny” H. Blanke, Richard “Dickie” H. Blanke, and William “Billy” H. Blanke; and his in-laws Vincent and Carol D’Antoni.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anita D’Antoni Blanke; his three daughters, Stacey Blanke Putnam (Richard) and their children Eleanor and Camille; Stephanie Blanke Capella (Thomas) and their children Sophie and Eliza; and Ainslie Blanke; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

The family would like to acknowledge the doctors, nurses, and administration of East Jefferson General Hospital and Heart of Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate care of our beloved Jack. Our gratitude to his caregivers, who became his family during this unprecedented time of isolation, cannot be overstated.

Following the private family mass, interment will be at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries. For anyone wishing to honor Jack’s beautiful life, the family requests that donations be made to East Jefferson General Hospital Foundation and Heart of Hospice Foundation. Links are below for each.

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