Raoul V. Chauvin Jr.

Raoul V. “Ralph” Chauvin, Jr., age 80, succumbed to his battle with leukemia and peacefully entered into eternal rest surrounded by family on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in New Orleans, LA. He was born in New Orleans, LA, May 8, 1945, and was a resident of Harvey, LA since 1982. He was a very proud graduate of St. Augustine High School in New Orleans and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. Raoul’s journey in the funeral profession was shaped through his family relations with both Unity Funeral Parlors, Inc in Chicago and Rhodes Funeral Home in New Orleans, LA. Subsequently, he worked for Hancock Whitney Bank as an officer and manager and retired in 2012 after serving 30 years. Preceding him in death were his parents, Raoul V. Chauvin, Sr and Inez (Prudeaux) Chauvin; paternal grandparents: Raoul Francis and Cecelia (Diaz) Chauvin; maternal grandparents: George and Louise (Casimere) Prudeaux; his beloved and long-time companion Deanna "Dee" O'Reilly; sisters: Belvia Isabelle and Athalia Piernas (Henry, deceased); one brother, Armand J. Chauvin (Vickie). He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Leslie R. Chauvin of Covington, LA; his children: Raoul V. “Dutch” Chauvin, III (Cynthia) of New Orleans, LA, Allyson Chauvin (Jennifer Valteau) of Covington, LA.; one sister Aveline Kimbell (Willie) of Mesa, AZ; two grandchildren: Phoebe and Brennan Chauvin of New Orleans, LA; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, other family members and many close friends. Everyone loved Raoul. Truly, it's hard to think of a single person who didn’t. He made people feel seen and valued, not through grand gestures but through small, consistent acts of kindness. He listened deeply. He lived with a gentle wisdom that made life better for those lucky enough to know him. He was a deep thinker, someone who moved through the world with curiosity and intention. When others were overwhelmed, he was the cool head, the steady presence, the adult in the room even when no one else could manage to be. He was a lover of knowledge and stories and could pull the perfect joke from an endless mental library at just the right moment. And of course, Raoul loved the Saints with the kind of devotion only true fans understand. He was a season ticket holder and never a fair‑weather fan—he showed up through every high, every heartbreak, every “maybe next year”, and NEVER left the game early! Game days were sacred, and his loyalty was unwavering, a reflection of the way he approached everything and everyone he cared about. Through his years at St. Augustine High School, Raoul became part of a brotherhood that shaped him for life, one he carried with pride. The friendships he formed there were loyal, joyful, and enduring bonds that lasted across decades. Plans for a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either The American Cancer Society (CMML) or St Augustine High School (https://ladiesforpurplescholars.org/)