Obituary

Louis M. Bravo
SEPTEMBER 7, 1929 – SEPTEMBER 15, 2019
Obituary of Louis M. Bravo PLAY TRIBUTE MOVIE
Louis Michael Bravo lived an unrepeatable life. He never met a stranger and would welcome you with a story and a smile. He passed away on Sunday, September 15th, 2019, at 90-years-old, loved by all. Lou enjoyed 90 years of adventure: traveling to Brazil five years ago, attending the U.S. Open last year, and continuing to teach yoga on Sundays.

Lou was born in New Orleans on September 7, 1929 to Luis Gonzalo and Dolores Pereira Bravo. He had five siblings: Jorge, Violeta, Richard, Patricia, and Eduardo (Eddie). He attended St. Aloysius High School and was an outstanding athlete in football and basketball, as well as boxing and tennis. His basketball team won the 1947 state championship and is still considered to be the greatest team from this area. He earned a basketball scholarship to Loyola, then later transferred to St. Ambrose College in Iowa, where he continued to play both sports. His competitive spirit continued throughout his life with handball, racquetball, badminton, tennis, and marathon running. He won several gold medals in the Senior Olympics.

He had a remarkable military career as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and the Army’s 40th Infantry. At 20-years-old, he found himself on the front lines in Korea. One night, North Korean snipers opened fire on his group, hitting three American soldiers. Lou, spared, grabbed two men and dragged them to safety as the snipers continued to fire. Unsurprisingly, Lou was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery in action. Legendary commander and decorated war hero Col. David Hackworth called Lou “the bravest soldier I have ever fought with.”

Back in New Orleans, Lou married Betty Jean Bridgeman, and they celebrated an amazing 64-year marriage. Lou and Betty had five children: Bruce (sp. Elvira), Elizabeth (sp. Bruce), Clinton (sp. Mary), David (sp. Michele), and Steven, who preceded him in death. They had nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Lou and Betty shared an incredible life together, traveling to Elderhostels, auditing college classes, and participating in book clubs.

Lou was an active member of the community. He graduated from Tulane with a degree in Business and accomplished an impressive career in the life insurance industry. He served as the President for the New Orleans Life Underwriters Association and received the designation of Chartered Life Underwriters (CLU). He was the chairman of the YMCA, President of the Marie Riviere Parents’ Club, the Golden Key Society, and the Hinder Club. He volunteered with Foods for Friends and at Lakeview Regional Hospital.

Lou Bravo was beloved and his family invites you to join them in celebrating his life. Please attend with your best Lou stories. His Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 2019, at 12 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 6600 Spanish Fort Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124. There will be a visitation at the church two hours before the service. Additionally, there will be a visitation on Friday, September 20th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in memory of Lou to the Tulane University Athletic Fund, P.O. Box 61075 New Orleans, LA 70161, or Brother Martin High School Scholarship Fund, brothermartin.com/giving/scholarships/.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com

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