Constantine George "Con" Demmas

Con Demmas, a long-time resident of New Orleans and a giant of the insurance industry who brought passionate vigor to all his endeavors, passed away Wednesday evening. Mr. Demmas earned numerous awards in the insurance business and is recognized for creating the product "Split Life" which revolutionized the industry. He became vice president for marketing at Kelso & Co. and later specialized in ESOP plans for privately held businesses. While his later career saw his consulting business thrive, he also played a hand in the development of downtown New Orleans and the Warehouse district, most notably the development of the Hilton Garden Inn. Mr. Demmas was born in St. Louis, the third of four children of Greek parents who emigrated to the United States from Castania near the Albanian border. He attended St. Louis University High School where he excelled in football and academics, later matriculating at University of Illinois on a football scholarship. After one year with the Rose Bowl champion fighting Illini, Mr. Demmas transferred to Vanderbilt University where he also played football. After graduating in 1953, he continued his education at Vanderbilt and graduated from the School of Law in 1957. It was insurance, however, and not the law, that captivated Mr. Demmas' imagination. Following two years in the Army's intelligence unit, he began his career with Mutual of New York, eventually finding his way to New Orleans, where he married Mary Bartlett, the love of his life for 57 years. A gifted athlete and fierce competitor, he excelled at just about any sport he set his mind to. In addition to football, Mr. Demmas won many championships in handball through the Southern AAU and later reigned as the New Orleans city champion in doubles and singles throughout most of the 1960's. Mr. Demmas was an avid art collector and was also active in the community and served on the boards for the McGehee School, the Bright School, and the Children's Hospital. He was a member of the Krewe of Rex, the Pickwick Club and New Orleans Country Club. Mr. Demmas is survived by his wife Mary Bartlett Demmas, two children, Constance Caroline Demmas of Nashville, TN and George Bartlett Demmas of New Orleans. Also survived by his daughter-in-law Raine Bedsole Demmas, grandchildren Alexandra (Tsana) Bedsole Demmas and Anna Massey Demmas, all of New Orleans, as well as by his brother, Arthur George Demmas of Nashville, TN. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation services on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. New Orleans, La. 70122. A Trisagion Service will be held at 10:00 AM followed by the Funeral Service at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the Poydras Home or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Interment at Metairie Cemetery. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.