Walter Edward Smith Jr.

1933 - 2021

Walter Edward Smith, Jr., fondly referred to by many as 'Smitty', was born on June 10, 1933 and passed away on April 27, 2021 comforted by his loving wife of 63 years, Norma Carstens Smith. Walter was a lifelong native of New Orleans. At a young age he had a tremendous work ethic helping family and working at Bucktown and West End restaurants until he became employed by Standard Oil as a draftsman. He worked in electrical distribution for New Orleans Public Service ultimately retiring from Entergy. Once retired, he reclaimed his love for cooking perusing New Orleans cookbooks and making delicious Sunday meals where his seven children and their families could gather and enjoy food, family, conversation, and love. Walter devoted countless hours of public service through the years to a variety of organizations including St. Clement of Rome, Job Opportunity Bridge, the Good Ole' Metry Boys club, and the Knights of Columbus Council #3246 where he insisted on attending their monthly meeting a week before he passed away to offer wisdom and encouragement. Walter is preceded in death by Walter E. Smith, Sr. and Mercedes C. Smith, in-laws Michael C. Carstens and Mabel C. Carstens, his siblings George B. Smith, Sr. and Shirley S. Cole, and his grandson, Christopher E. Smith. He is survived by his children Norma Jean Mattei (Richard), Lisa Smith, Walter Smith III, Michael Smith, Kevin Smith (Kathy), Michelle de la Paz, and Melanie Wallo (Matthew) and his grandchildren Helen Claycomb (Conrad), Genevieve Mattei, Eli Smith, Spencer, Ryan and Emily Smith, Carsten de la Paz, and Joshua and Caleb Wallo. Walter will also be missed by his extensive group of cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, friends, and neighbors. A celebration of Walter's life will be held on June 10, 2021, at St Clement of Rome Church, 4317 Richland Avenue on West Esplanade in Metairie, Louisiana, 70002. Visitation is from 10 am-noon immediately followed by a Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested to the Knights of Columbus, Bridge House, or St. Clement of Rome Church. See the full obituary at https://www.neptunesociety.com/location/new-orleans-cremation, where you can share your condolences or any fond memories with his family.