Raymond Emile Weidenbacher

Raymond E. “Ray” Weidenbacher died on November 3, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans on October 23, 1930, to the late George Michael Weidenbacher, and Clementine Morris Weidenbacher.

In addition to his parents Ray was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Senna Weidenbacher and his siblings, Shirley Weidenbacher Gilchrist and George Frank Weidenbacher (Navy).

He is survived by his five children and their spouses; Gay Ann Weidenbacher, Bonnie Weidenbacher Kuon (Paul), Susan Weidenbacher Howell, Scott Joseph Weidenbacher, and Steven Joseph Weidenbacher (Angelle); grandchildren, Justin Mills, Scott Lae (USAF), Dylan Kuon (Corita), Erin Howell, Joey Howell (Ashley), Hayden Weidenbacher, and Hendrix Weidenbacher; great-grandchildren, Nora, Leela, and Adira Mills, Caroline, James, John, and Samuel Kuon. He is also survived by his cousins, Albert Weidenbacher (Beth), JoNell Dewhirst Savoy, Lynn Dewhirst Blalack, nieces, Arlene Gilchrist, Deborah Gilchrist, Andrea Gilchrist BresueV, (Reggie), nephew, Jimmy Gilchrist, in-laws, Otis (Sonny) and Gloria Burmaster, Ashley and Christian Helmstetter, Ronald McDonald, and Carol Forcade, as well as several great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. His memory will be cherished by lifetime family friends, Michen Houser and family (Marty, Johnny, Stuart, Rex), Charlie and Jan Crass and family (Sherry, Kevin and Karen), Father Bob Masset, Marie Perret and family, and Harold Rousselli and family.

Ray graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in January 1950. He was the student body president and received the American Legion Award for excellence in scholastics and leadership. In 1949 he received the All Prep Scholastic Trophy from the New Orleans Quarterback Club. In 1949 he also received All Prep and All State honors as the outstanding quarterback in the city and state by the coaches. As a Nicholls High School Rebel he earned letters in football, baseball, basketball and track for four consecutive years. In 1950 he received an athletic scholarship from Tulane University and earned letters in football and baseball for three consecutive years, graduating in June 1954. Ray also received 1st Team All SEC Conference Honors as a pitcher in 1952 and 1953. In 1952 Raymond turned down three professional baseball contracts from the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates to return to Tulane as the starting quarterback for his senior year. In 1953 Ray tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a game against Georgia Tech. Unfortunately, this ended his athletic career.

Upon graduation he worked for D.H. Holmes Co., and spent the next 38 years holding various supervisor, management and chairman positions. In the early 1980’s he served as regional vice president, directly managed the Lakeside store (1980-1986), and was responsible for the Lake Forest Plaza, Oakwood, Bell Promenade and Homa Stores. He became vice president and director of all stores in 1986 and in 1989 he retired. From 1990 to 1995 he was the general manager for Lawrence’s “Mr. Wedding Cake” Bakery, and from 1996 to 2005 was a consultant and associate at Gabby’s Restaurant and Lounge in New Orleans east.

He was a past member of the Metairie Rotary Club and in 1986 was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was also a member of Group 21 Men of Manresa Retreat for 34 years and a member of “Good Friends Group from the Golden Era.” Ray was co-chairman of Huerstel’s Reunion, a Ninth Ward institution, and past member of the Camp Villere Huntington Club.

Ray’s passions included family, friends, being a friend, all sports (especially football, baseball and tennis), old westerns, cooking, and eating seafood. He was an exceptional role model for his children and grandchildren, had an enormous heart and zest for life. He had a deep faith in God and will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, positive attitude, wisdom and unwavering commitment to family, loved ones, and all things sports related.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, November 21, 2025 at St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave. New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with a Mass to begin at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by mail to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online donations visit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital website.