Henry "Hank" English Braden, IV, died of congestive heart failure in a New Orleans hospital on Monday, July 15th. He was 68-years-old. He is survived by his loving wife, Michele, four children- Heidi, Remi, Hal and Nick, as well as his grandson, Jack Cooper. Braden was born in New Orleans on August 24, 1944, to his mother Irma and father, Dr. Henry E. Braden, III. He received an undergraduate degree from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York in 1965, and earned a law degree from Loyola University of New Orleans in 1975. From 1965-1974, Braden was an Executive Director of the New Orleans Poverty Agency (Total Community Action, Inc.) and played a prominent role in the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. From 1974-1975, he was the Director for Manpower and Economic Development for the City of New Orleans in former Mayor Moon Landrieu's administration. Braden was elected to the Louisiana Senate in 1977 and proudly served in that post through 1984. While in the State Senate, he was also elected to the Executive Committee for the Democratic National Committee, and was a Democratic National Committee Member-at-Large from 1974-1984. Braden also had the honor of working as a top advisor to former New Orleans Mayor Sidney J. Barthelemy from 1986-1994. After focusing on politics for decades, Braden most recently excelled as a lobbyist and consultant for local, state and national clients. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 19th, from 6pm-8pm at Lakelawn Funeral Home. Another visitation will be held on Saturday, July 20th, from 10am-11am. The funeral will immediately follow from 11am-12pm. A repast will follow the funeral Saturday at Le Musee de fpc, 2336 Esplanade Avenue. No man has ever had a greater love for life and family. And never was there a more supportive, dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. We loved him so very much. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michelle, Heidi, Remi, Hal and Nicholas: I was saddened to learn of Hank's death. As you know, our families were close in the early days. It seems like yesterday we spent the holiday(s)together. He was my "big brother". Hank also became a landmark in the community - generous with his time and counsel. Both families were extremely proud of his accomplishments. While Hank is gone, he will remain in our hearts forever. May God grant you peace in your hour of need. The family of Celestine and Jesse Cook.
Bethelyn Strode
July 25, 2013
May hank rest in peace. Hank and the family are in our prayers.
Al&Sandi Jenkins
July 21, 2013
Dear Michelle and family - My heartfelt prayers and condolences for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing your husband's life touched so many in profound and lasting ways. His light and love for his family and community will shine forever.
God Bless
Morgan Clevenger
July 20, 2013
Dear Michelle and family,
I am deeply saddened by Hank's death, and I wish you the peace and comfort that come from knowing what an inspiration and mentor he was to so many young women and men.
Although it has been decades since I last saw him and you, you've always had a special place in my heart and in my memory, and I will keep his memory alive.
I am very sorry for your great loss.
Aubrey Lavizzo
July 19, 2013
Michelle,
Hank was such a gift to the whole community. Please know Rob and I are thinking of you and the entire family.
Margaret Oesterle
July 19, 2013
Michelle and Family
you have our condolences. May the peace of JESUS fill your hearts in your time of sorrow.
From the Family of Mrs. Margaret DeSilva
Irish DeSilva
July 18, 2013
Michele and all..."Hank" was a great guy...I have fond memories of him and Michael...My Dad sure thought they were HIS sons (smile)...I extend heartfelt sympathy to the Braden Family for your loss of "Hank"...May he rest in peace...Prayerfully, Jeannetta Hawkins Roussell...Daughter of Jim Hawkins
July 18, 2013
A shock and a loss for all who knew him.
Tony Fennelly
July 18, 2013
Michele,
Let the good memories help you through your grief.
Ann Randolph
July 17, 2013
My condolences to the Braden FAMILY on the passing of Hank.We first met in Kindergaten & later in High School,Hank was always the same good person.May His Soul Rest In Peace.
james williams
July 17, 2013
Hank was a contemporary. He was an extremely intelligent man to whom many sought advice and counsel. His passion was politics. He was personally responsible for numerous men and women becoming elected officials.
Ken Carter
July 17, 2013
Former Senator Braden was an amazing man who will be missed. Family, we are here if you need us. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
God Bless~On behalf of our Membership,
St. Rep. Katrina R. Jackson, Chair
The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus
July 17, 2013
Michele and family. Please accept our sincere sympathy for your great lost. We regret that we will not be able to attend the service as we will be out of the city. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Carolyn and Ernest Chachere
July 17, 2013
With deepest sympathy.
Judge James Dennis
July 17, 2013
My love and thoughts are with the whole family.
Love, Phyllis R. Herman
July 17, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with the Braden family.
Peggy Davis-Armelin
July 17, 2013
The most exceptional man and father I have ever known. Full of love and compassion. I will miss him greatly.
Gwendolyn Bordenave
July 17, 2013
My memories of Hank Braden go back to his teenage years when he was in high school, a close friend of my older brother Carl, and friend of our entire family. He was a good man with a carring heart who always seemed to be looking just beyond the horizon. May God grant peace and comfort to his family and friends.
Gregory Sr and Connie Hamilton
July 17, 2013
TO THE BRADEN I SEND MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCE
LESTER POLLY LASSAI
July 17, 2013
Cousins my prayers are with you, Much Love
Eric Braden
July 17, 2013
Please accept the sympathy of Le Moyne College on the occasion of the death of Henry. Be assured of our prayers for him, for you and for your family.
Le Moyne College, Office of Alumni and Parent Programs
July 17, 2013
A True Gentleman in every sense of the word. Hank we will miss you!
Patty & Bobby Heitmeier
July 17, 2013
Remi and Heidi .... This loss is so great; you are in my thoughts and prayers .,,,
Leslie Graf
July 17, 2013
May his soul rest in peace.My prayers. go to the family.
Julie. Laurent
July 16, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Myrt &. Eddie Frey
July 16, 2013
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Braden family during this difficult time. May God bless and strengthen you.
Kenneth Lombard
July 16, 2013
An old friend has gone to meet his Maker and I feel sadness that I am far away at present and unable to have one last visit with him. Hank, like his great father before him, was a man that should and will be remembered as one that pushed for Louisiana to be a great state and New Orleans to be a great city, a diversified city, a city that would benefit from the various cultures that lived there. To the Latinos he was more than a friend, he engaged many of us to join for a share of the "power base". He was a true unselfish friend, a friend that always had a smile in his face and you could go to for whatever reason. Hank, I will always be grateful to you and your father. May God Bless you and recognize all you did for your state, your city and your people. I look forward to seeing you again.
Jose Gonzalez Sr
July 16, 2013
Our condolences to the family at this time of great sadness.
Chuck and Barb Haydel
July 16, 2013
Our condolences and prayers are extended to Hank's family.
Dan Vincent & Family
Daniel Vincent
July 16, 2013
I have known Hank since he first ran as state Senator. I have been his CPA for all that time up to the present. I am glad his family was with him at this troubled time. I will miss him.
July 16, 2013
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