Edward Henry Bravo

Edward Henry Bravo, age 89, passed away at his home on Monday, May 31, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Claudette Dallas Bravo; eight children from his first marriage: Renée Spratt (Rob), Karen McNabb (Bill), Kim Bourg (Michael), Dede Holmes (Dewey), Brian Bravo (Heather), Kenny Bravo (Carole), Keith Bravo (Kris), and Bennett Bravo; twelve grandchildren: Bryce, Matthew, Zak, Joshua, Lindsay, Leslie, Beau, Mia, Beth, Ashley, Lauren and Lane and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Eddie was born in New Orleans on January 22, 1932 to the late Luis Gonzalo Bravo and Dolores Pereira Bravo. He had five siblings, all of whom predeceased him: Jorge, Violeta, Richard, Patricia and Lou.
 
Eddie attended St. Aloysius High School where he played basketball and football. He received a full scholarship for football to Tulane University from 1951 until he graduated in 1955. During that time, he played offense, defense and special teams. He played in the Senior Bowl and the Blue Gray Bowl while at Tulane.  He remained an avid Tulane and Saints fan throughout his life.  He joined the U.S. Army after graduation where he volunteered as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. He was recruited to play football for the Special Services team while in the Army.  He worked for Shell Oil in Norco after being discharged from the Army and later for Tulane and Loyola Universities until his retirement in 1998.
 
Eddie was also a high school football referee for 33 years, which included state championship games in the Superdome. He served as president for the New Orleans Football Officials Association for several years and worked for the National Football League at the New Orleans Saints games for over 28 years as the “Coach to Player Operator” (operating the device that shuts the helmets off from coach to quarterbacks and linebackers). Before that, he served as assistant clock operator.
He loved tennis too and played at Country Club Homes, the Beach Club and City Park courts for many years. In 1995, he played with a doubles team in the National USTA championship where his team won second place.
 
Eddie will be missed greatly by his wife, family and friends who loved him dearly.  

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:00 am at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie, LA. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment will be at a later date in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Louisiana SPCA, https://www.louisianaspca.org/ or to the charity of your choice.

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