Gerard Alphonse Brechtel

Gerard Alphonse Brechtel, 71 a native of New Orleans, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Jerry was born on November 25, 1948 to the late Sheldon F. Brechtel, Sr. and Audrey Abadie Brechtel of New Orleans. He was a 1966 graduate of Redemptorist High School and a 1970 graduate of Loyola University, New Orleans. While at Loyola, Jerry was an outstanding student and athlete. He graduated with Honors with a B.S. degree in Accounting. Jerry was a member of the baseball team from 1966-1970. He was named the Outstanding Baseball Team Member in 1970. Jerry also played basketball for the Wolfpack during his freshman year and had the great honor of guarding Pistol Pete Maravich. In 2009 he was inducted into Loyola’s Sports Hall of Fame. The Diamond Club of Greater New Orleans included Jerry in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Class of 2001.
Jerry worked as a CPA with KPMG in New Orleans for 32 years. He was admitted to the partnership in 1981. After his retirement from public accounting, he was employed by Consolidated Grain and Barge Enterprises and served as Senior Vice President, Accounting and Administration until his second retirement.
He served on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Loyola University. Jerry was a 20+ year volunteer for United Way of Southeast Louisiana. He served in many capacities at United Way, including Campaign Chairman in 1987 and Chairman of the Board in 1993.
For his dedicated leadership and commitment to community service, Jerry was the 1999 recipient of the United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Award, the organization’s highest honor.
Jerry was an avid fisherman, a competitive golfer, and a charter member of English Turn. He adored playing golf at English Turn but also cherished the camaraderie with the many friends he made there. Jerry was a huge fan of both New Orleans Saints and the Houston Astros.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Maria Olavarrieta Brechtel, his two sons, Ben Brechtel (Kimberly Hollard) and Jack Brechtel, his two grandsons Grady and Logan Brechtel who affectionately called him Brec. And his favorite four-legged companion, Buddy D.
Private services will be held for family only on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Chapel at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and Mass begins at 11 a.m
Due to Covid restrictions for the size of indoor gatherings, the service with be a closed event with masks required. It can be viewed at link below.
An outdoor celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date so that his many friends and family members can reminisce and share memories. Details to follow soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jerry’s honor to United Way of Southeast Louisiana, www.unitedwaysela.org

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