Bernard Thomas Engert II

Bernard Thomas Engert II passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, after a 16-month battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was 82 years old. Bernard, better known as Buster to friends and family, was born on April 21, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana to late; Bernard Thomas Engert Sr. and late; Victoria Segretto.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marie “Annette” Engert; sister, Victoria Lazaro(Al); brother, John (Claire Ann); children, Bernard Thomas Engert III (Shelbii), Theresa Thorkelson (Bob), Warren Biri Engert (Karina); grandchildren, Ashley Russell (Mike), Joshua Engert (Nancy), Leah Thorkelson, Abby Thorkelson and Jack Thorkelson; step-grandchildren Drew Massetti (Holly), Brittney Parker (Jake); and great-grandchildren Madison, Peyton, Mason, Maddox, Millie, Madeline, Oliver and Elliot as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He graduated from De La Salle High School and attended L.S.U. He married Annette in 1962 and moved to Harahan, where they raised their 3 children. He worked as a draftsman at Ingram Shipyards and then as a draftsman and project manager at Avondale Shipyards for over 40 years. He was a faithful servant of St. Rita Church in Harahan for over 60 years where he was a lector and Eucharistic minister. He and his wife taught high school religion in their home and worked with Pre Cana and the CYO. He coached little league baseball and women’s league cabbage ball and was a member of the Scrubs basketball team, where he said the best player on the team had only one leg.

After he and his wife both survived cancer, they became loyal members of the cancer support group at Ochsner Hospital. Although Buster went for the cookies they served, he gave and received great joy from the group and yoga classes.

After his retirement, Buster and Annette joined a special group of couples who called themselves the Goodtimers. They gathered for the rosary, mass, dinners, events, parties, and trips. He enjoyed the fellowship of this group for 15 years. They were a blessing to him.

Buster enjoyed his ROMEO group (retired old men eating out) and his Avondale retirees' breakfast club.

He recently moved to Carriere, MS with his wife, where he enjoyed food, football, and family.

He will forever be remembered for his stories, life lessons, and his 1964 black Volkswagen beetle.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Services at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive Metairie, LA 70001 on Friday, November 10, 2023. Visitation will begin at 9:30am with a mass starting at 11:30am, burial to follow. Buster loved and supported the work of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be dedicated in his name to her work at motherteresafoundation.org. To offer condolences, please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

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