C.J. Blanda, a proud, native New Orleanian, graduated from Jesuit High School and Tulane University and enjoyed a long and successful career as an insurance executive with Lloyd's of London.

 

     Mr. Blanda was a true southern gentleman; elegant, soft spoken, an exceptional public speaker, and a great conversationalist—a man you wanted to listen to and talk with for hours. Mr. C.J. was always well-mannered and impeccably dressed at every special event, known for his dapper presentation.

 

     Soon after graduating from college, Mr. CJ became a resident of the Vieux Carré in 1953. Though small in stature, he was a giant in the French Quarter community. As a passionate New Orleans historian with a wealth of knowledge few others have, C.J. Blanda possessed a generous desire to share his love of the Crescent City and the Vieux Carré.

 

     In his efforts to preserve all that is good and special about his home city, Mr. Blanda spent a lifetime as a fierce champion for the preservation of New Orleans' singular heritage and the French Quarter's place in history, and, most importantly, as a neighborhood. Though C.J. Blanda possessed a kind and gentle demeanor and was a well-spoken man, he never shied away from speaking vigorously in opposition to those things that he felt would harm New Orleans, especially the Vieux Carré. He threw his support behind projects and organizations that he believed would benefit the French Quarter, serving as a relentless protector of its architecture, culture, unique identity, and community.

 

     As part of his honorable quest, Mr. C.J. was a philanthropist who gave of himself continuously and shared his historic Esplanade Avenue home with numerous Vieux Carré organizations and causes. C.J. Blanda was a member and board member of the Vieux Carré Commission, a member and volunteer of the Historic New Orleans Collection, a founding member and past President of Patio Planters, board member of French Quarter Citizens, Historian and board member of VCPORA, and a member of the Beauregard-Keyes House.

 

     Mr. C.J. was a member of the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association for over 60 years. He served as the organization's first male President in 1965, its first King of the Spring Fiesta in 2023, a member for over 60 years, and most recently our Parliamentarian. He was among the strongest supporters of our mission to explore, preserve, promote, and celebrate the history and culture of New Orleans and the Vieux Carré, as well as to educate others about their significance. C.J. Blanda contributed to these objectives generously and in every capacity.

 

     Mr. C.J. said of himself, "I am a former New York resident and a traveler to 74 countries. I chose New Orleans as my home. To me, it's the best home, thanks to the architecture, the people and the weather – well, minus the hurricanes. And in this city I love more than any other, the Quarter is the neighborhood I love most."

 

     After a lifetime of significant work as a preservationist, Mr. C.J. Blanda passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 96, leaving behind the place and people he loved most.

 

     We will dearly miss Mr. C.J.: his knowledge, his wisdom, his strong support, his generosity, his guidance, his protection, and, most of all, his friendship. We are all better for having known him. The New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association Board of Directors extends its heartfelt condolences, prayers, and best wishes to his family and friends.

 

     Until we see you again, Mr. CJ., rest in peace and please keep watching over the "Quarter".

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Missy Curran, M.D.

 

​

Bibliography:

Interview with A Vieux Carré Champion - Mr. C.J. Blanda, Dr. Bill Curran, Historian, New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association Personal Conversations with Mr. C.J. Blanda, Dr. Missy Curran, First Vice President, New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association.

CJ Blanda: Seven Decades in the French Quarter. FQ Voices, Quarter Kaleidoscope, French Quarter Journal, Ellis Anderson, publisher