Ernest Joseph Stephens, Jr., Age 87, a native of New Orleans, LA and a longtime resident of St. Bernard and Tangipahoa Parishes, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Mr. Stephens was born on April 27, 1938. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Florence Becnel Stephens, Children: Ernest III (Stephaine), Mark (Rhonda), and Kristine Costello. He was blessed with grandchildren: Ernest IV (Heather), Jacob (Karlee), Courtney (Brian), Nicholas and Blake. Great-grandchildren: Sydney, Maci, Luke, Maevery, Zayden and Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest J. Stephens Sr., Mary Auteri Stephens, brothers: Salvador James, Salvador and Edward. He had a distinguished law enforcement career of 35 years. From 1968-1994, he was employed by the Orleans Levee District Police and completed the N.O.P.D. Academy Class #50. He was promoted through the ranks and received Awards of Merit for outstanding Police work. He was promoted to Major - Chief of the New Orleans Lake Front Airport Crash-Fire and Rescue Division, retiring in 1994. In 1995, he began his second law enforcement career with the St. Bernard Parish Sheri s Department attaining the rank of Sergeant, retiring in 2005. He was also employed by St. Bernard Parish as a Fireghter-pumper operator from 1967-1970. He was an amateur boxer, well-known in the boxing circles of the New Orleans and the Italian CYO. In 1957, he won the 17th Naval District Championship light-heavyweight division title bout. In 1959, he turned pro and had six pro bouts upon he retired his gloves in 1960. He was a devout catholic, alter- boy, catechism teacher, and he loved his family.
Relatives, friends and members of the Orleans Levee District, St. Bernard Parish Sheri s Department are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM. A funeral mass will begin at 1:00PM. Burial will follow in ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL GARDENS. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial. com.