Salvador Edward Gutierrez Jr.

Salvador Edward Gutierrez, Jr. died on Friday, January 27, 2023, at the age of 81, after a long and courageous battle with lymphoma. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. Sal was born on June 15, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana and was a lifelong resident of Arabi.
Sal was a loving husband to his high school sweetheart, Lois Seither Gutierrez, to whom he was happily married for 57 years. Sal was also a devoted father John Gutierrez (Jennifer), Justin Gutierrez, and Kristen Bendich (Michael) and a loving grandfather to Katherine Whelan, Ellie Bendich, Elijah Gutierrez, Michael Bendich and Eliza Mae Bendich. Sal was also an uncle and cousin to many, especially Glenie Kennedy and Dawn Johnson.
Sal graduated from Chalmette High School in 1959, where he was a member and captain of numerous district and league championship teams in basketball, track and baseball. Sal was a Louisiana all-state pitcher in 1959 and his senior baseball team was inducted into the St. Bernard Sports Hall of Fame.
Sal continued his education at Louisiana State University (New Orleans), where he was a founding member of the Beta Xi chapter of Theta Xi Fraternity. Upon completion of his studies at LSUNO, Sal attended the Loyola University School of Law. He graduated and was admitted to practice in 1968. Sal had a long and successful legal career until his death, spending years in practice with his law partner and close friend, Mary Ann Hand. Sal served as legal counsel for the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Department from 1984 until his passing. In addition to his career in law, Sal served the public on many boards and committees. He was appointed Vice Chair of the Louisiana Tidelands Committee by Governor Edwin Edwards and to the Committee on Local Affairs by US Senator Bennett Johnston. Additionally, Sal spearheaded the Mississippi River Bridge Authority study to build the second span of the Crescent City Connection, successfully paving the way for the eventual construction of the second bridge.

Sal had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed reading, especially American literature. He was an avid fan of baseball, a longtime fan and season ticket holder of the New Orleans Saints, and attended the Kentucky Derby 35 times, with his close friend and fraternity brother, Alan Wells.
Sal was a devout Roman Catholic. He lived his life for God, his family, and his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvador Sr. and Mildred, his half-brother David Jones, and his son, Justin.
Sal will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at St Pius X Catholic Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 1:00PM. Mass will begin at 1:00PM. Burial will take place immediately after the mass at Lake Lawn Cemetery. The family would like to thank Sal’s many friends, associates and medical staff, who helped him during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Humane Society of the United States, the American Cancer Society, or St Pius X Catholic Church.

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