Alfred A. "Al" Olinde MD

Alfred "Al" A. Olinde, MD passed away at the age of 93 years of old age February 24, 2026. He is survived by his 3 children: Anna O. Oleson (Eric), Fred Olinde (Melanie) and Bill Olinde and his grandchildren; Katherine Olinde, James Olinde and Anna M. Olinde; and step grandchildren Max Wild Oleson, James Tracy and Nick Tracy, as well as 25 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Verline Chapman Olinde who passed September 15, 2021; father Humphrey Theodore Olinde and mother Elsie Marie Heck Olinde; as well as his siblings: Joseph B. Olinde, Elizabeth Wilson, Elsie P. "Pat" Laurent, Humphrey T. "Bubber" Olinde, and Henry "Heck" Olinde (Diane).

Al was born in and grew up in New Roads, Louisiana. Al was bestowed a Bachelor of Science degree and Medical Doctor Degree from Louisiana State University. He also received a post doctorate degree in Psychiatry and completed training and credentialing in Psychoanalysis from the New Orleans Psychoanalytic Institute.

He began his career for a brief time in Connecticut, before moving and spending the majority of his life in uptown New Orleans. He also spent time at a second home on Treasure Island where he would enjoy watching sunsets over Lake Pontchartrain. He spent many summers in Highlands, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

He was an active member and leader in the New Orleans Psychoanalytic community where he served as President of the New Orleans Psychoanalytic Society from 1975 to 1977. He served as a member of the New Orleans Hypnosis Institute and the American society of Clinical Hypnosis. He was one of the 7 Founding Medical Doctors of the original River Oaks Psychiatric Hospital. He founded Alternative's Clinic and then Center For Better Living, to include outpatient Partial Hospital Programs and the Serenity House group home.

Al and Verline loved giving parties and having celebrations with others. He was active in many social organizations in New Orleans that enriched his love for Mardis Gras revelry and fun such as Knights of Babylon, Alexis, and The Round Table club. When he and Verline moved to Slidell in 1990, they became active in expanding the cultural arts in Slidell and participating in civic fundraisers, such helping to found the Slidell Symphony Society chapter of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. At Rotary Club in Slidell, he spearheaded an Octoberfest fundraiser and participated in many Rotary-led civic projects.

Al spent his retirement years in Mandeville, Louisiana where he spent many hours writing short stories and poetry. He started a local writers group and became an author, self- publishing several small books, including: Wheeling into Manhood, The Yellow Balloon, Mirror Lake, and Magical Memories.

Our father was a gentle soul, a humanitarian and had many interests. With a vivid imagination and self- determination, his love of beauty and the cultural arts inspired creative pursuits in literature, painting, home renovations, and gardening projects where one could hear his opera and classical music playing as he worked. He was a loving and generous father and husband that will be cherished in our memory.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington LA 70433 on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation on Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.

E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Olinde family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.