Richard Harris Bretz, Jr. passed away on Thursday March 31, 2022 peacefully at his home after a short battle with metastatic melanoma. A resident of River Ridge, he was 73 years old. Richard grew up in Baton Rouge and graduated Catholic High School in 1966. He then went on to Tulane University where he made many life-long friends. He was the President of the University Center Board from 1969–1970 and was a member of the U.S. Army ROTC. He received an MBA from Tulane in 1972. He was an avid Green Wave fan and attended games even later in life. Richard worked in the commercial building supply business and was a great salesman. He was a long-time member and officer of the Knights of Babylon and member of the Pickwick Club. Richard enjoyed entertaining friends and family with his superb cooking and old fashioned cocktails. He loved to eat regularly at Galatoire's. He also took great pride in his garage and estate sale finds. Most of all, he adored his daughter and grandchildren and reveled in their visits, traveling with them, and hearing about their lives and activities every week. Richard was kind and generous to all he met in his life. Richard is preceded in death by his parents Richard Harris Bretz, Sr., and Rita Banquer Bretz and brother-in-law Ben C. Toledano. He is survived by his wife Maria Michele Triche of River Ridge, his daughter Jennie Bretz Feliu and son-in-law Rodrigo Feliu of Katy, TX, his grandchildren Sofia and Liam Feliu, Jennie's mother, Susan F. Bretz, and siblings David G. Bretz (Kathye) of Zachary, Margaret B. Toledano of Columbus, MS, John A. Bretz (Patricia) of Austin, TX, and Elizabeth A. Bretz of Austin. He is also survived by his nephews Arden R. Bretz (Teresa) of Austin and Harris W. Bretz (Joanna) of Austin, and niece Alaire B. Bretz of New Orleans. He is mourned by his aunt, uncles, cousins, and many, many close personal friends. Visitation will be Monday April 11, 2022 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Destrehan, La from 10am to 11am followed by a mass. Interment will follow at St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Melanoma Research Alliance or MD Anderson Cancer Center, or any charity of your choosing are welcome.
