Alfred Richard

Alfred Jude Richard was born on March 9, 1962 at Sara Mayo hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the son of the late Nelson Richard & Eunice Brown Richard. Alfred was a graduate of Holy Cross High School (℅ 79’). After graduating Holy Cross High School, he grew a love for radio/television and proceeded to attend the University of New Orleans majoring in Mass Communications. Alfred graduated from the University of New Orleans (UNO) with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications(℅ 83’). Alfred accepted Christ at an early age at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. In the fall of 1983, Alfred gained employment with the Orleans Parish School Board System. He worked as a media communication producer/specialist for 30 years. During his tenure with the Orleans Parish School Board, Alfred began to venture into the world of reporting with WWL TV’s Eyewitness Morning News in 1998. As the film & movie critic/reporter, he was excited to bring the movie reviews weekly on Friday mornings to every household. In 2006, Alfred continued his film/movie reviews expertise by joining the WYES TV’s stepping out further exploring his love for TV. After retiring from the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) in the communications department, Alfred returned to his role in communications at Warren Easton Charter High School, where he left his mark in the hearts and minds among the staff and students. As a child, Alfred had an interest in the world of science fiction, beginning with Star Wars & Star Trek. He enjoyed wearing his infamous costumes for halloween, comic con and for mardi gras, as one of his many sci-fi characters. Alfred started the New Orleans Worst Film Festival (N.O.W.F.F) in 1992 at the Prytania street movie theater in the uptown area. The festival showed old movies which were known to few as classics. Yearly, the NOWFF was held and continuously grew and became a success among moviegoers. An additional hobby/interest, Alfred engaged in the joy and love of music. One of his favorite musical groups was Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). One of his favorite songs, ELO was “Hey there Mister Blue.” Alfred's other favorite musical selection was Elton John’s “Benny & the Jets.” In 2010, Alfred became a member of the extraordinary New Orleans well known men’s group, the 610 Stompers, encouraged by the late great Eric Paulsen, of WWL TV. With Eric ‘s encouragement Alfred stepped out of his box to become the first African American member of the 610 Stompers. He became known in New Orleans as “Chocolate Thunder”, with his extraordinary moves. Alfred joined the Commander's Palace family working as a Maitre d’welcoming many patrons with open arms through laughter, kindness and a gift for gab. He also inspired other patrons to grandparents Oliver Brown & Virginia C. Barnes, and Birdie Mae Brown. Paternal grandparents Alfred & Olevia Richard. Aunts Shirley Mae Trepagnier, Dorothy Richard, Rosie Goins, and Mary Lee Redmond. Uncle Alvin Brown and Uncle Fred Trepagnier, Sr. Sisters Regina Hendricks & Charlene E. Richard. Great-great niece Brielle Janai Warsale Robinson. Cousins Fred Trepagnier, Jr. & Wilfred “Speedy” Henley. participate in the movement of the second line parade throughout the restaurant with positive vibes. Alfred is survived by his older brother Nelson Tyree Richard (Earline). Nieces: Michelle Richard & Monique Richard (Johnta P.) Nephew; Cedrick Marshall (Shonda.) Great nephews; Darryl R. Robinson, III, Tyshon Richard, Glen I. Parker, II, Tory Richard, Tre’tajh Richard, Johnta Pierre, Alton Whittey, Sr., Felton Whittey, Sr., Adonis Marshall, Ashton Marshall, Jessie Richard, Daniel Richard, Cedrick James and Lamont James. Great Niece; Dariah E. R. Parker and Adriana Richard. Great-great nieces; Persia Robinson, Pompeii Robinson, Erielle Robinson, Sariyah Robinson, Kaiya Denkins, Kori Denkins, Rylan Richard, Loving Heart Richard, Heiress Wilson, Kylee Whittey, and Aysia Whittey. Great-great nephews; Pithom Robinson, Felton Whittey, Jr., Alton Whittey, Jr., and Tayden Richard. Godchildren: Dyan Melson, Sarita Melson & Darryl R. Robison, III and a host of other cousins, relatives, and friends. Alfred is preceded in death by his parents Nelson & Eunice Brown Richard. Maternal grandparents Oliver Brown & Virginia C. Barnes, and Birdie Mae Brown. Parental grandparents Alfred & Olevia Richard. Aunts Shirley Mae Trepagnier, Dorothy Richard, Rosie Goins, and Mary Lee Redmond. Uncle Alvin Brown and Uncle Fred Trepagnier, Sr. Sisters Regina Hendricks & Charlene E. Richard. Great-great niece Brielle Janai Warsale Robinson. Cousins Fred Trepagnier, Jr. & Wilfred “Speedy” Henley. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a funeral service at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 4230 S. Broad St. New Orleans, LA on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery.

Alfred Richard

December 23, 2024