John Michael "Jack" Holahan

HOLAHAN John Michael ""Jack'' Holahan, a prominent New Orleans attorney, whose quiet demeanor during a 53-year legal career belied an enthusiasm for complex civil litigation, died Monday in Covington. He was 76. He served as a commissioner and judge ad hoc of Civil District Court from 1974 to 1990, presiding over lengthy and complex cases involving multiple litigants. In private practice, he specialized as a bankruptcy attorney. He was born in New Orleans on February 2, 1931. He was the son of the late Odile Riley and Michael Andrew Holahan. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1949. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University in 1953 and was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar Association the same year. In 2003, he was recognized for 50 years of legal service by the LSBA. Holahan and his wife of 52 years, Paulette, relocated to Mandeville, LA after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their Lakeview home. At the time of his death, Mr. Holahan was a member of the American Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar Association. He was a member of the Round Table Club and a founding member of the Four Fins. Survivors include: his wife, Paulette Heldner Holahan; two sons, John Michael Jr. and Gregory Heldner Holahan; four daughters, Shawn Louise Holahan, Paulette Holahan Reasonover, Odile Holahan Million, and Meghan Holahan Roddy; a sister, Irene Louise Holahan; an aunt, Janet Mary Riley; 11 grandchildren: Ernest Knute, Bridget Elisabeth and Charlotte Raquel Svenson; Shannen Nichole, Riley Michelle, Erin Marie and Kelly Anne Holahan; Colette Mary Reasonover; Eric Paul and Amelie Odile Million; and Irene Catherine Roddy; and three sons-in-law, Kirk Reasonover, Troy Million and Troy Roddy; and a daughter-in-law, Pamela Sims Holahan. He was predeceased by his sister, Emily Holahan Weisand. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2007 at Chapel of the North American Martyrs at Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St. A Funeral Mass will follow. Burial will be in Metairie Cemetery. Lake Lawn Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.