Ira Delesdernier

Captain Ira Loga Delesdernier, Jr., passed away on December 28, 2015 in Covington, La., after a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 years, Darlene Monjure Delesdernier and many cousins throughout the country. He was preceded in death by his parents, Capt. Ira L. Delesdernier, Sr., and Velma Gerard Delesdernier. Ira was a proud member of the Crescent River Port Pilots Association from 1961-1989 until illness forced him to retire. He loved his job as a ship pilot on the lower Mississippi River from Pilottown to New Orleans and piloted more than 11,000 ships without an accident. He was appointed to the Board of River Pilot Commissioners by three Louisiana Governors and represented retired pilots on the Pilot Pension Board during his retirement. Ira wished all his fellow pilots past and present, good luck and good sailing.

After attending Tulane University, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. He was a member of the Propeller Club, N.O. Athletic Club, Metairie Country Club, New Orleans Yacht Club, U.S.C.G. Auxiliary, and various other clubs in the New Orleans area. A resident of New Orleans and Mandeville, he moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for eight years but returned home in 2015.

Service and interment in Greenwood Cemetery were private. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association in his memory.