Lynn Eugene Pyke

New Orleans, LA – On December 28, 2025 Lynn Eugene Pyke passed away peacefully at home, two days after his 75th birthday.

Born December 26, 1950 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania to Harold and Myrle Pyke, he was the fourth of five children; with siblings Carolyn (Robert) Mann, Lyle (Jeanne) Pyke, Neal (Carol) Pyke, and Larry Pyke. He proudly graduated from Penn State– sorry, THE Pennsylvania State University– before venturing to Botswana to serve two years in the Peace Corps teaching math.

His sense of adventure (and somewhat inexplicable love of math) led him to New Orleans in 1974 where he began the actuarial career to which he would dedicate himself for the next 45 years, boasting titles such as Enrolled Actuary, Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, and President of AEBP (twice!). In 2002 he would indulge his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Gulf Benefit Consultants, with heartfelt thanks to Pam Reinhardt for her unwavering commitment to the endeavor.

More importantly, it was also in New Orleans that he met and married Dr. Teresa Santa Coloma, by whom he is survived along with their children Alexandra (Matthew) Lippert and Austin Pyke; and their grandchildren Maxim, Maggie, Nolan, and Carson Lippert.

In addition to being a successful businessman, Lynn was also (affectionately, we believe) known on his block as the "Mayor of Octavia" for his steadfast support of his community, from clearing catch basins to tutoring math to installing smoke detectors with the Red Cross. He treated his endless stream of home improvement efforts as art projects, and he lovingly kept a native plant garden in his yard. He was an avid traveler, Saints fan, and dessert enthusiast. His wit was razor-sharp, and he liked to make his opinions known: you may have encountered one of his various Times-Picayune op-eds, penned under his own name as well as cheeky pseudonyms.

As Lynn battled lymphoma since 2021, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Benson Cancer Center (to which Lynn himself also donated generously). Alternatively or additionally, mourners can donate blood in honor of Lynn's long-held habit of donating blood whenever possible.

There will be a funeral service held at the Tulane Catholic Center on January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.