John Henry Bres, age 92, died October 13, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. and Effie V. Bres; brother Joseph V. (Jere), sisters Katherine Pugh (Bryan), Estelle Mayer (Fred), and Margaret Abshire (Randel), and his nephew Tom Bres (Jan). He is survived by his first cousins, Sara Harris of New Orleans and Julie Slavik of Washington, DC; his nieces and nephews Mary Ordoyne (Arthur), Randel Abshire, Jr., Vaughan Bowen (Michael Mutter), Joseph Bowen Bres (Linda), John Bres (Debbie), Katherine Ware (Alan), and Landry Tagliere, as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
John was born and grew up in Brusly, LA, attended Brusly High, and entered Tulane University at age 16. When eligible, he transferred to the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1951. After service around the world and command of three ships, including commissioning commanding officer of the USS KALAMAZOO (AOR-6), in 1981 John retired from the Navy in the grade of Captain. As a naval officer, John was firm but fair, modeling and expecting excellence. His naval service was followed by a career at Booz Allen Hamilton where his unique perspective and expertise made him both a valued employee and a cherished friend.
John’s was a life of faith, family, and friends. The depth of his spiritual life was evident in his attendance at daily Mass, regular retreats, and his generous support of many Catholic charities. His life was made rich by the company he chose to keep. Whether at home in Alexandria, VA; Brusly, LA or visiting friends around the world, wherever he was John made genuine connections with the people close to him. His love of and loyalty to his family and friends was boundless, matched only by his generosity.
Visitation at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly, LA on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 9-11 AM. Mass at 11 AM.
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