Capt. Louis M. "Toby" Wattigney, Jr.

Captain Louis M. “Toby” Wattigney Jr., a devoted leader, family member, and friend, whose steady presence anchored both his family and community, passed away on Sunday evening, October 12, 2025, at age 67. While on a trip to his hunting camp in Mississippi—a place he loved dearly, he found eternal peace and joy surrounded by nature.

Born on November 5, 1957, Toby was the son of Louis M. Wattigney Sr. and Helena Blanchard Wattigney. A native of New Orleans and a resident of Belle Chasse for 27 years, he was a proud graduate of O. Perry Walker High School and attended the University of New Orleans (UNO) before beginning his maritime career with his brother, William Louis Wattigney Jr., at Crescent Towing, where he served as a captain for 18 years.

In 1976, Toby and his brother were at the helm of the first tugboat to arrive at the scene of the Luling–Destrehan Ferry Disaster, when a tanker collided with a passenger ferry on the Mississippi River. Together, they helped rescue one of the few survivors in a collision that claimed 78 lives and remains the deadliest ferry disaster in U.S. history. Toby went on to serve as a pilot with the New Orleans–Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association (NOBRA) for more than 30 years, later becoming president, where he dedicated his career to ensuring the safe navigation of the Mississippi River and the protection of those who live and work along its banks.

During his tenure as president, Toby served in leadership and advisory roles across Louisiana’s maritime community, including with NOBRA’s Board of Examiners and Board of Directors, the American Pilots Association, Big River Coalition, Louisiana Pilotage Fee Commission, Maritime Navigation Safety Association (MNSA), New Orleans Board of Trade, Propeller Club of the U.S. Port of New Orleans, University of Louisiana Maritime Academy Advisory Council, Open Waters Louisiana, and the World Trade Center Transportation Committee. He also chaired Governor Jeff Landry’s Task Force on Navigation and Safety within the Louisiana Ports, Waterways, and Investment Commission. Outside of his work on the river, Toby was a dedicated boxing coach, passionate about mentoring and inspiring young athletes. Whether guiding a pilot or a boxer, he was known for his steady resolve, kind spirit, and unwavering support for those around him.

Faith was at the core of Toby’s life and work. In 2024, he helped organize and orchestrate the inaugural Fête-Dieu du Mississippi, a Eucharistic procession downriver from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, honoring the souls lost in river tragedies. Working alongside Rev. Michael Champagne at the suggestion of now-Governor Jeff Landry, he guided vessels in blessing the same waters he had navigated for decades. His leadership reflected his belief that faith and duty are interconnected—that the river is not only a channel of commerce but also a living symbol of God’s presence and the lifeblood of Louisiana.

For Toby, faith was not only personal but also an inheritance. One of the most meaningful traditions he kept alive was the Nine Churches Walk, an annual Good Friday journey through New Orleans that began in 1941, when his grandmother started the pilgrimage after her three sons were drafted into World War II as a way to pray for their safe return. Each year, Toby made sure the walk continued, not just as a family tradition but as a gathering of community and shared faith.

Beyond work and worship, Toby was a proud Pappy to his intelligent and beautiful granddaughter, Grace, whom he adored. He found comfort outdoors and was overjoyed to share his love of hunting and fishing with his son, Maurice, and his great-nephews, Peter and Brandon. He also cherished his time with his wife of 34 years, Cathy, in Orange Beach—one of the few places where he could truly unwind.

Toby was preceded in death by his parents, Louis M. Wattigney Sr. and Helena Blanchard Wattigney, as well as his nephew, William Louis Wattigney Jr. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Kloor Wattigney; his son, Louis “Maurice” Wattigney; his granddaughter, Grace Wattigney; his brother, William Louis Wattigney Sr.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and fellow pilots who became family over the years.

Captain Wattigney’s legacy flows through the people he loved and the river he served. The lessons he shared and the example he set live on in the family, friends, and fellow pilots who knew him best, which act as a lasting reflection of his steadiness, generosity, love, and strength.

Memorial donations can be made in Toby’s honor to the Manresa House of Retreats (5858 LA-44, Convent, LA 70723) or the Father Seelos Center (919 Josephine St., New Orleans, LA 70130), reflecting his lifelong devotion to faith, family, and service.

Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Visitation on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Mothe Funeral Home, 1300 Vallette St., New Orleans, LA, from 5 PM until 10 PM. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 400 Verret St., New Orleans, LA, from 9:30 AM until the Funeral Mass time at 1 PM. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at The Croatian House, 220 Croatian Way, Belle Chasse, LA.