NEW ORLEANS — Harry Connick, Sr. was a man who brought both controversy and color to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office. If you didn’t know him personally, you most likely knew of him.
Connick was one of the most powerful and well-known politicians in New Orleans' history.
“He was a very infectious personality. You wanted to be around him because he was so knowledgeable and so smart,” said friend Gayle Benson.
Wednesday, family, friends, and community members gathered at St. Dominic Church in New Orleans to say farewell to Connick. He died last week at the age of 97. Family members tell WWL Louisiana that Connick died after a prolonged illness.
“Just a salt of the earth, fine human being. It’s a big loss for the city. It’s a big loss to anybody that ever met him,” said long-time friend Brain Mulholland.
Mulholland says Connick was a man who worked with a mission to make change.
“He’s just been a big part of my life for four decades, and I’m going to miss him,” said Mulholland.
Connick was a towering political figure in New Orleans, serving as district attorney for three decades from 1974 to 2003. In his five terms in office, Connick was known for speaking his mind and helping young lawyers find their path.
“He sort of set the groundwork for us,” said former Orleans Parish district attorney Leon Cannizzaro.
Cannizzaro was one of those lawyers. His first job out of law school was working for Connick.
“I think he was certainly someone that was a tremendous pioneer as to the future of criminal justice in the city of New Orleans,” said Cannizzaro. “He is certainly going to be missed. I know he’s been out of that office for a long time, but he was a great D.A.”
“His footprint is enormous,” said friend and colleague Jim Letten.
Letten was also hired by Connick right out of law school.
“Harry expected the best ethically, and in terms of the quality and quantity of your work, and he got it,” said Letten.
Connick has been out of office for 20 years, but he’s still known for the work he did, which also drew some criticism. Connick was criticized for mishandling evidence in some cases, leading to convictions being overturned. He even found himself on trial in 1990 for racketeering but was acquitted.
Those who knew him say his prowess in politics and the criminal justice system is eclipsed by his dedication to family and community.
He and his son Harry Connick, Jr. helped form the Krewe of Orpheus, and both gravitated to music.
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