Rene Gerard Abadie

Rene Gerard Abadie of Hammond, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the age of 77. Rene was born on Wednesday, October 8, 1947, in New Orleans to the late Maurice Abadie Sr. and Helen Wilson Abadie. Born and raised in the Irish Channel, Rene was proud to have begun his life of faith through his service as an altar boy, starting at the age of 9, at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in New Orleans. Crossing the burial grave of Father Seelos every morning to open the church doors and serve mass for the nuns in the chapel, Rene was often credited as “altar boy of the year.” He attended Holy Redeemer Seminary in Lacombe, Louisiana, graduated from the University of New Orleans in 1969 while serving as a sacristan, and earned a master’s degree in journalism from Louisiana State University in 1972. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he worked in public relations. Rene continued his career in public relations, predominantly in the medical field, as the media relations supervisor at Tulane Medical Center, assistant director of public relations at Touro Infirmary, at the American Cancer Society, and at the Louisiana State Medical Society. He spent the last 18 years of his career at Southeastern Louisiana University as the director of the university’s Communications and Creative Services. Rene was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, beloved by his family, friends, and anyone who had the opportunity to meet him. A man of tremendous faith, Rene was a devoted Catholic who embraced his beliefs with a sincerity that inspired those around him. He was an active parishioner and dedicated Eucharistic Minister of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond, also serving the Hispanic Mass at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. In addition, Rene was also a member of Emmanual Prayer Group. Rene’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and unwavering faith. His kindness and good-natured sense of humor will be remembered by all those who knew him. Rene had a profound impact on the lives of those around him, leaving behind a memory cherished by family and friends alike.

Rene is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cecelia Farace Abadie; two sons, Dominic Abadie and wife Liz, and David Abadie and wife Elise; grandchildren, Madeline, David Evan, Daniel, Audrey, and Lily; sister, Yvonne Abadie; brothers-in-law, Thomas J. Spitzfaden, and Dominick Farace; sister-in-law, Bonnie Abadie; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rene was preceded in death by his brother, Maurice “B.C.” Abadie Jr., and sister, Jeanne Abadie Spitzfaden.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 4640 Canal St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 1:00 pm until the Funeral Mass begins at 2:00 pm.

Entombment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In honor of Rene's spirit of giving, donations may be made lieu of flowers to any pro-life or veterans charity.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.