Mark David Ernst

Mark David Ernst was born in New Orleans on September 21, 1972. His life was filled with friends, fine food, football and family, all of which he adored. As a young boy, Mark took an interest in cars and jet skis, especially those that were fast, custom or vintage. You see, Mark’s taste for the finer things in life started at an early age and would influence his career choices later. Mark graduated from De La Salle High School in 1990 and attended University of New Orleans.

Mark passed away on March 15, 2024 in Driftwood, Texas with his wife Joy by his side.

Mark worked for Emeril Lagasse as Assistant General Manager for Emeril’s in the warehouse district, and later opened Emeril’s Delmonico as General Manager. After years managing fine restaurants, he transitioned to the hotel industry, working for the Waldorf Astoria Roosevelt and Royal Sonesta brand. For his final accomplishment, he ultimately realized his professional goal, and was promoted as the General Manager of the Sonesta Silicon Valley and then was hired as General Manager of the acclaimed Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta. He was revered as a remarkable leader whose poise, expertise, empathy and level headedness earned him the #1 ranking in the “Trust You” guest service metrics as well as high performance in team member scores.

Mark was given the nickname of “Swing” because of his class, his beautiful Italian suits and shoes, his ability to create exquisite dishes, and for his extraordinary knowledge of the world’s finest wines. He was Swing to us because he exemplified excellence, integrity and elegance, while remaining down-to-earth and humble. He was also called “Big Mark”, as nothing he did was small. His heart was big. He loved big …and he cooked big. He was famous for his Sunday dinners, hosting his friends with a huge pot of red gravy and meatballs or a jumbo sized pot of gumbo for Saints games. He must have created the motto “go big or go home”!

But that’s just it, Mark was big, grand and beautiful. He was a giver, whose generosity extended to those far and near. He loved and was loved by so many, but no love compared to that of his beautiful wife, Joy. Her name exemplifies the exact feeling she gave him. They were “care partners” to each other, as both givers in life, they chose not to use the term, care “taker”. Mark’s favorite person was Joy and a perfect day looked like a boat ride with his bride, cuddling his two pups, Hugo and Cochon, and then, cooking for all his Lakeview friends while sharing a few bottles of Burgundy.

Mark’s culinary influence, dry wit, friendship and love can never be replaced, as he has left his “Mark” on everyone he’s ever known, especially his family, and his dear friends, whom he called family. Mark is survived by his wife Joy Ernst; son Jordan Elliott; mother Mary Nancy Zummo Ernst; brothers Craig Ernst and Brad Ernst (Valerie); parents-in-law William and Judy Bailey; best friend David Gentry; as well as a core group of friends that Mark considered family and who spent considerable time with him over the last several months. He was preceded in death by his father Oscar Daniel Ernst Jr; grandparents Oscar Daniel Ernst, Sr. and Hilda Broussard Ernst, and Frank Raymond Zummo and Rose Mule Zummo; and dear friend Jonathan Assaf. Life will not be the same without him, but he will be honored and remembered each day as we carry on all that he has gifted us.

A visitation for Mark will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, and interment thereafter at Lake Lawn Park, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124.