BOURLIEA, Frederick John Jr., "Johnny", age 65, passed away January 22, 2022 peacefully at home after a courageous battle with glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer). He was a graduate of Chalmette High School in 1974, and in 1975 became a member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers. He was a 4^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a saxophonist in the Northlake Community Band, a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group, a retired journeyman from the Ironworkers Local Union no. 58, and an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Johnny was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Many of his neighbors, friends, and organizations he or his children were active in benefitted from his technical mind and ability to build, construct, or repair. From creating and building the swim blocks at Lakeside Swim Club, the outdoor grill at Our Lady of Lourdes, to the endless repair of motors, home appliances, or musical instruments, his gifted ability to fix anything for those he loved was obvious. In his lifelong career as a structural ironworker, he helped safely build or retrofit several buildings in the New Orleans area, such as Ben Franklin High School, the Superdome, Louis Armstrong International Airport, Touro, Ochsner, and Charity Hospitals, as well as several hotels. His attention to detail and safety always surpassed the required code; in 1999 he was awarded the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Partner in Safety Award. He was a family man and cherished his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Brenda Michel Bourliea, their three daughters: Brina Bourliea Faciane (Jason), Dina Bourliea Hunt (Joshua Sr.), & Regina Bourliea Stephens (Clayton), and five grandchildren: Olivia, Joshua Jr. “Aaron”, Emmitt, Cal, and Leo. Anyone within earshot of Johnny knew how proud his children and grandchildren made him.

Pop, as his grandchildren called him, loved riding his motorcycle, driving his 1976 Corvette, fishing, hunting, frogging, boating, and spending time at his father’s camp in the Honey Island Swamp. His grandchildren adored him, and they were always at Pop’s side while he was doing the things he and they loved. The most popular activity was going to The Camp, and the adventure often started with a visit to the donut store where Pop knew everyone.

A man as special as Johnny would not have been possible without the love and guidance of his parents Frederick Sr. and Joyce Presetenback Bourliea, two sisters Deborah Bourliea Peters (Roger), and Ramona Bourliea Belser (Dan), and brother Wayne Bourliea (Ann). He was loved like a son and brother by his wife’s family Robert (Bob) Sr. and Jacqueline (Jackie) Michel, Glenda Lee (David), Rhonda Graffeo (Joe), Sandra Doughtie (David), Bobby Jr. Michel (Chanquell), and Wanda Touchette (Danny). Uncle Johnny or “Uncle J”, as he was called by his many nieces and nephews, was always ready to offer advice, a silly story and give them a warm hug.

A celebration of life is planned for this summer. The family would like to express sincere gratitude for all the generous help and support they have received from family and friends. If desired, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in support of Neurosciences Research for the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384. A GatheringUs memorial has been created to celebrate the life of Frederick “Johnny” Bourliea where we can all share and celebrate his life. https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/frederick-johnny-bourliea/8595