John Jospeh D'Aquin, Jr.

Avery Island--Jack” John Joseph d’Aquin, Jr. born January 1, 1944, passed away at his Avery Island home on Saturday, April 18, 2020, of non-coronavirus, natural causes – (as Jack rarely did anything on-trend).

Jack was born and raised in New Orleans on his father’s cooking, his mother’s coddling, his sisters’ advice, and the city’s culture and traditions.  He attended de LaSalle High School and Louisiana State University where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.  He served in the United States Coast Guard.

Following a long career in sales, Jack retired to the country life, studies in horticulture and home renovations as well a brief and totally uncharacteristic stint in dragon boat racing.

Jack took great joy in his kitchen and the meals he created for his guests, and in the celebration of every holiday.  He loved his world travels with his family (just shy of his dream trip to St. Petersburg, Russia) and their annual trip to Florida. He loved his garden and was a Master Gardener, had he planted his thumb, it would have sprouted. He was an avid history buff with a particular affinity for the last Tsar of Russia. Mardi Gras was a favorite holiday and he participated with many rides on the Jester float of Rex with his good friends, as well as with memberships in the Crescent Club and The Juanita Club.  He was a member of the Ancient Order of Creole Gourmets and Jack also took pleasure in chocolate and lots of wine.  But his true source of happiness was his family.

Jack is survived by the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Nanine Simmons d’Aquin and the daughters who were his greatest pride; Nan Cowan (Robert) of New Iberia, Mary Lovell (Andy) and Katherine Denman (James) of New Orleans and Marcelle Meyer (Malcolm) of Metairie; and grandchildren Nanine, William, Eleanor, and Jack Cowan, Sarah, Virginia, and Elizabeth Lovell, Ruby, Polly, and Matilda Denman, Mary Elise, Kate, and Annie Meyer; devoted sisters Marcelle d’Aquin Saussy and Ribby d’Aquin Fergusson, both of New Orleans; three god children, Marcelle “Cici” Saussy, Leenie Knowlton, and Michael Tufton; many nieces and nephews and faithful and much loved companion Bette Davis d’Aquin, the Boston Terrier.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John J. d’Aquin, and Mary Bofinger d’Aquin, and his two children John Joseph d’Aquin, III and Rosemary d’Aquin.

Jack will be laid to rest following a private service for immediate family in the Sacred Grove on Avery Island. Pallbearers for the service will be William Bofinger, Warren Bofinger, Edward Kent Maddox, Anthony A. Simmons, Cameron B. Simmons, Christopher F. Simmons, James Fisher Maddox, and John E. Simmons. A memorial mass will be celebrated in New Orleans at a date to be determined.

Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Holy Name of Jesus School in New Orleans, Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans, the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans, Metairie Park Country Day School, and the Episcopal School of Acadiana in Cade.

You may sign the guest registry book and/or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org

David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St. (337) 369-6336 is in charge of funeral arrangements.