Robert Mallard Seago Jr.'s Obituary
Robert Mallard Seago, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at his home in Covington, LA. He was born on May 24, 1936 in New Orleans, LA to the late Robert Mallard Seago, Sr. and Helen Vincent Seago. His siblings are Mary Helen Seago Mason & John Vincent Seago (Susan).
Robert was the beloved husband of Judith Hopkins Seago for 31 years. He was the loving father of Michael Mallard Seago and the mother of Michael’s children, Dr. Neva Seago, Elizabeth Seago Davila, and stepson, John McEnery Robertson, Jr. (Amy). Robert absolutely loved his grandchildren & was known to brag about each and everyone of them including, Benjamin Seago, Sara Seago, Lauren Seago, Nicole Seago, Kaitlyn Sykes, Max Davila, Jack Robertson, Bayne Robertson, and Amelia Robertson. He kept strong ties with his nieces & nephews, Wesley Mason, Dr. John Dawson Mason & Lanie Sybouts (Brad). On the other side of the family, he kept in touch with Jeanne Bendana (Rich), George Hopkins III, Walter Hopkins, Dr. Gloria Sura & Michael Sura.
Robert graduated from St Martin’s High School. He attended Tulane University and played football there. Then, he transferred to New York University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree. Also, Robert proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserve for several years.
Robert was often referred to as a Renaissance man, because of his many creative talents. His areas of interest included art, music, & railroad modeling. The beauty of the Deep South has surrounded and stirred Robert since his birth in New Orleans. By the age of fourteen, he was a student of drawing at the New Orleans Museum of Art, and was soon a prolific artist with pen and ink, pencil, and charcoal. He moved on to study etching with world-renowned artist, Jim Steeg at Newcomb College of Arts & Sciences. Seago painted for a decade, starting in the 70’s with Auseklis Ozols, founder and current director of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts and participated in many art shows there. In the mid 1980’s, Robert and his wife, Judith moved to Covington, La. Here Robert continued his career as a painter, immersing himself in subjects ranging from the landscapes of rural Louisiana to Mardi Gras celebrations in the heart of the big city.
Robert was the founder & leader of the very popular Sentimental Serenader’s Big Band and performed throughout St Tammany Parish at Pontchartrain Vineyard Music Venues, he performed many time at the Jazz Fest with the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Fourth of July Celebrations in Bogue Falaya Park, Third Sundays at Christ Episcopal Church, Saturday Live at the Fuhrman with Rick Trolsen, & Tea Dances at Benedict’s Restaurant. He also enjoyed playing Bluegrass Music with his brother John and other members of the “Rambler’s.” He owned Seago’s Art Galleries in New Orleans & Covington. Seago displayed his art in galleries throughout the S.E. Region in art shows & festivals. His art is displayed in private collections, corporate offices, published in newspaper articles, magazines, as well as, book illustrations. Robert had an intense interest in Physics & prior to his final illness, he was working on publishing his theory. Robert loved living in St Tammany Parish & was happy to receive the very coveted award of “Lifetime Achievement” presented to him in 2015 by the St Tammany Commission of Cultural Affairs.
Robert’s wife, Judy & family extend thanks to St. Tammany Parish Hospital Hospice for giving such excellent, loving care. Special thanks to the stellar team lead by Dr. Delcham & Alden(RN), and team members, Amy, Jennifer, Lonnie, & Joyce. Thanks also to Jessie May, a private sitter, who was very caring & a helpful personal assistant.
Please send contributions to Hospice of St Tammany Parish Hospital, Midway Museum ([email protected]), your local Fire District Fire Station, or your organization of choice in lieu of usual remembrances.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Memorial Service at Christ Episcopal Chapel, 120 S New Hampshire St, Covington, LA 70433 on January12, 2020 at 1:30 P.M. with visitation from 1:00 P.M. in Holzhab Hall (next to Chapel) until service time. Interment will follow the service at Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, LA. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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