Gregory Pechukas Obituary

Gregory Pechukas, 71, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 21, 2016. He was fondly known as 'Justice Per Curiam' for the many opinions he drafted for the Louisiana Supreme Court as its longtime Director of the Central Staff. Raised in the Northeast, Greg graduated from Yale University in 1966 and the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1969. He then moved to New Orleans to work for New Orleans Legal Aid Clinic, then private practice, and eventually to the Supreme Court where he worked for 37 years. Despite his great intelligence, he put all those who met him at ease with his sense of humor and quirky demeanor and endeared himself to his many friends across all walks of life. A Wagner aficionado, former racing bicyclist, marathon runner, and mountain climber (of the Teton range in Wyoming and the 14 ft. rockwall in his erstwhile dining room), he could often be seen Uptown walking his many St. Bernard and, in later years, German Shepherd dogs. He was most importantly the very proud and loving father of Zachary Crawford-Pechukas, who survives him along with his brother, Phillip Pechukas; nephew, Rolf Pechukas; and nieces Maria, Sarah, and Amy Pechukas. A memorial service will be held August 6, 2016 at 11 AM at St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School, 5116 Magazine St, in Drexel Hall (corner of Constance and Soniat). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Innocence Project New Orleans (www.ip-no.org), Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (www.lpomusic.com), and New Orleans German Shepherd Rescue (www.nogsr.org). To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Jul. 29 to Aug. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Pechukas

10 Entries

Janet Duroncelet

July 23, 2024

Greg added color and energy to an otherwise staid, black and white setting. It was a delight to know him.

August 15, 2016

I was out of town and missed his memorial. Please know that many people were great admirers of the man - especially the quirkier ones. They really appreciated him for what he was.

Kitty Hymel,
New Orleans, LA

Bruce Whittaker

August 5, 2016

I worked with Gregory a long time ago at Central Staff and remember his great knowledge and love for the law that he so generously shared. His collated hand-written notes on cases - in the tiniest yet - with study! - legible print - was a thing to behold. In later years I always enjoyed happening upon him on his long dog walks. A good man who will be missed.

Allison Elsee

August 4, 2016

Gregory is missed every day at Central Staff! He inspired many. My prayers go out to Zac and all of Gregory's family, as well as his multitude of friends.

August 2, 2016

With deepest sympathy and with continuing admiration and respect for Greg and his outstanding leadership and work of nearly four decades as Central Staff Director of the Louisiana Supreme Court.

James L. Dennis, Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals; formerly Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court

Janet and Theo Duroncelet

August 1, 2016

It is with profound sorrow that we acknowledge Greg's passing. As co-employees at the Louisiana Supreme Court, we have memories of a brilliant and dedicated attorney, who always enlivened his surroundings with wit and good humor. But, his most endearing side became apparent after the birth of Zack. What a proud and doting father he was! Greg will be greatly missed.
Janet and Theo Duroncelet

Nancy Picard

August 1, 2016

I only worked with Greg for a short time at the Supreme Court but he was knowledgeable, dedicated, funny, and helpful to all of us novices. His death is a loss to the community.

Pamela Trehern

July 31, 2016

I worked with Greg at the Supreme Court. He was one of the most unique people ever I have known. His wit was unmatched and his knowledge certain to cause one to rethink their posture. He was always kind and welcoming to all. I shall miss spying him at Whole Foods and his smiling face. Zachary his love for you was Epic. May God who is light illuminate your days in the loss of your father.

July 30, 2016

The Tetons will miss you! Love Jane

Pamela Trehern

July 30, 2016

I had the privilege to work with Greg at the Supreme Court and am saddened to learn of his death. He was truly one of the most unique people ever, his wit unmatched and his intellect sure to comprehend most anything. To know him was to joy, to learn and unabatedly be challenged and your perspective often changed. Zachary his love for you was epic. May God who is light illuminate your path at this time of loss.

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