David Michael "Dave" Burst

David "Dave" Michael Burst of Metairie, LA, passed away at his home in New Orleans at the age of 49 on February 16, 2026.

A New Orleans native, Dave was born on November 4, 1976, to Frank Donald Burst and Betty Jean "BJ" (Fricken) Burst. After attending St. Edward the Confessor and then graduating from Archbishop Rummel High School in 1994, he attended LSU (class of 2001), where he met, befriended, and fell head over heels for the love of his life, Michelle. They married in October of 2005 at a beautiful beachside celebration in Rosemary Beach, FL.

Dave worked as an international pilot for Atlas Air for over 20 years, proudly achieving the rank of Captain in 2017. Beyond his interest in aviation, he loved to travel, was a sports car enthusiast, enjoyed fine food, wines, and bourbons, was an animal lover, liked to skateboard and play tennis and racquetball, and was an avid fan of music and deejaying. Dave was quick-witted with a kind smile and a welcoming heart and was always pressed and ready for fun or to help others. Loved ones will miss the way he really listened and remembered life's important details, as well as the comfort of his big, long-lasting hugs.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Michelle Lee Bryant; mother, BJ Burst of New Orleans, LA; sister, Stephanie Burst Wotiz, brother-in-law, Frank Blake Wotiz, nephew, Brody Donald Wotiz, and niece, Sloane Harper Wotiz, of Atlanta, GA; father-in-law, Michael Bradford Bryant, and mother-in-law, Sandra (Kroll) Bryant of Folsom, LA; sister-in-law, Anne Noel Bryant-Breaux, brother-in-law, Timothee Breaux, and niece, Morgan Lee Breaux of New Orleans, LA; and many dear friends from around the world.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Donald, and uncle, Raymond Lee Fricken, as well as his grandparents, Thelma Mitchell Burst, Frank Burst, Gladys Lee West, and Raymond Morris Fricken.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with visitation from 12:00-2:00 and services from 2:00-3:00, at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home (3827 Canal Street), and followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery (5190 Canal Blvd.) in New Orleans, LA.

The family wishes to extend their dear thanks to the pallbearers and friends, Chris Gomez, Jamey Osborne, Ted Alvendia, Christian Cole, Eric Perdomo, Dominick Licciardi, and Blake Wotiz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to MD Anderson Cancer Center and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital are appreciated.