Richard James Bersuder, age 78, a resident of Hide-A-Lake, Carriere, Miss. was received by his heavenly Father on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.

A native of New Orleans, he attended St. Mary of the Angels grammar school and Cor Jesu (Brother Martin) high school. The family relocated to St. Bernard Parish in 1964, and in 1967, he joined the New Orleans Police Department. Shortly, thereafter, he completed his studies from Loyola University obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. During his tenure with the NOPD he served in the Third Police District, Communications and the Emergency Division (later to become EMS). While assigned to the Emergency Division, Richard was selected to attend the U. S. ArmyMissile and Munitions Center and School at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. graduation as a nationally certified bomb technician. While in EMS he became certified as a nationally registered EMT-Paramedic and served in the EMS division as training officer until his retirement in 1984. He retired holding the rank of sergeant after 17 years of service. Soon, thereafter, he was hired by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Department as the Director of Education and Training. He also became the Department’s principal POST certified firearms instructor. He was very proud to be selected as the first deputy in the history of the Sheriff’s Department to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy For Law Enforcement in Quantico, Va.  Richard was also instrumental in establishing the first bomb squad for the Sheriff’s Department and served as its commander until his retirement in 2004. He retired with the rank of Captain after 20 years of service.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Herman F. and Rowena D. Bersuder; siblings, Rowena B. Lods and Herman F. “Buddy” Bersuder Jr., and grandson, Kevin Bersuder.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving spouse, best friend, and soul mate, Lauren F. Bersuder; his children, Daniel L. Bersuder (Tina) and Dana B. Conaway (Mike) who he was extremely proud of and loved dearly;  his wonderful grandchildren, Nathan and Sean Conaway, and Rachael Bersuder.

Mass of Christian Burial Services will be held Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Burial will be in New Palestine Cemetery under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.

Father Bernard Papania will officiate the service.