Robert Manuel Reichert Sr.

Robert Manuel Reichert, Sr., 67, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Robert, Sr. went by Bobby his entire life and was born February 9, 1949 to Robert and Shirley (Brisolara) Reichert in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of 6 children. As a child he attended St. Raphael Elementary School and Holy Cross High School, where he was an accomplished athlete. After high school, Bobby attended The University of Southwestern Louisiana and graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Business Administration. In 1967 Bobby received an athletic scholarship to The University of Southwestern Louisiana where he played linebacker for the Ragin' Cajun Football Team. Bobby also became a member of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity during his time at USL. The following year Bobby transferred to Loyola University in New Orleans. During his time at Loyola he was elected President of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity his senior year. In 1969, Bobby's greatest accomplishment was lived; He, along with several friends at Loyola hatched the idea which would change the Mardi Gras landscape forever. They filed and signed the documents which started the Krewe of Tucks parade after a evening bender spent at Friar Tucks Bar, a local New Orleans hangout after unsuccessfully becoming Flambeau Carriers. This year, the Krewe will be celebrating their 49th anniversary this February, where they will be parading in Bobby's honor. Bobby was a self employed contractor, building and renovating residential homes, but also worked for the City of New Orleans Safety & Permits Departments for many years. During the early 1990s, Bobby, along with his wife Kelle also opened and owned a Mardi Gras novelties company called "Mardi Gras Candies." There was nothing Bobby hadn't done or tried, at least once. He was a man of over-the-top stories for any occasion and had a beloved gift of story telling. Bobby also frequently told stories about his times spent with "The Duke, John Wayne." He was never short of a laugh, a story or a good time. If Bobby truly liked you, you were sure to get his signature "Middle Finger Salute." Survived by his son, Robert Manuel Reichert Jr., former wife, Kelle Abide, Sisters, Pamela Bridges and Joan Samuels (Bruce), Brothers Michael Reichert (Tricia) and Donald Reichert. Bobby is preceded in death by his brother, David Reichert, his Father, Robert and his Mother Shirley. Bobby had many close friends throughout his illustrious life (to name a few), Dracos Morvant, Lloyd Frischhertz, Lucien Dauterive, Scott Zeldon, and Skip Jolley. Bobby also enjoyed spending time every day with his famous "Front Porch Friends," Jerry Fitzpatrick, Rick Serio, Dana Venezia, Keiffer Young, Stacey Stiel, and their beloved dog "Crazy." Bobby lived a fantastic life he thoroughly enjoyed, experiencing more than many. We all know Bobby is watching and looking down on us, Flambeau in hand, dancing to Mardi Gras Mambo in the Sky. Visitation will be held on All Kings Day, Friday, January 6, 2017 at JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. A Mass will be held in the J. Garic Schoen chapel on site with Father Pat Williams presiding over the services. Burial will follow at St. Louis Cemetery #3. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michaels Special School or The Magnolia School where Bobby loved helping children in need. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com