Jesuit mourns the passing of Brian William North ’83, who served as chair of the school’s board of directors since 2015. North, a devoted alumnus and civic leader, passed away on June 2, 2025. He was 59.

North’s commitment to Jesuit was unwavering. Elected to the board in 2013, he became chair two years later, guiding the school through a decade marked by growth, resilience, and renewed mission focus. His leadership was instrumental in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and the advancement of Jesuit’s campus as well as its endowment, ensuring the school’s long-term sustainability. During his tenure as chair, he advised and counseled four presidents.

“Brian’s leadership was rooted in quiet strength and deep faith,” said Jesuit President Fr. John Brown, S.J. “He led with humility, always placing Jesuit’s mission and our students at the center of every decision. His legacy is one of service, generosity, and fidelity to the lofty ideals of a Jesuit education.”

A lifelong Blue Jay, North was a driving force behind the Class of 1983’s philanthropic leadership. He spearheaded the endowment of the turkeys provided by the class for Jesuit’s annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, ensuring that hundreds of families in the New Orleans area receive holiday meals each year. Assisting with Project ’83, North participated in expanding the class’s outreach to include year-round service initiatives, reflecting his belief in the Jesuit ideal of being “men for others.”

Beyond Carrollton & Banks, North’s commitment to Catholic education was evident in his service to St. Mary’s Dominican High School, where his daughter is an alumna. From 2009 to 2016, he served on Dominican’s board of directors, contributing his expertise and passion to the school’s mission.

North’s professional life was equally distinguished. He joined Fifth District Savings Bank in 1988 and rose to become its president and CEO, a position he held until his passing. Under his leadership as the fourth generation of his family to serve in a management role, the bank maintained its commitment to community-focused banking, supporting initiatives such as affordable housing and educational scholarships. In 2024, North was appointed chair of the Louisiana Bankers Association, recognizing his influence and integrity in the financial sector.

His civic engagement extended to healthcare, where he served on the governing board of Ochsner Medical Center West Bank since 2011, becoming its chairman in 2014. North also contributed to the missions of the St. Andrew School Foundation, the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Legatus, among others.

North is survived by his wife, Sueann North; their son, William North ’13; and their daughter, Molly North, a graduate of St. Mary’s Dominican High School. He is also survived by his brother, Michael North ’82; his sister Katherine Costantini; his nephews Eric North ’12, Jack North ’17, Nate Costantini (a rising senior at Jesuit); three grandchildren; and other extended family members.

Brian North’s life exemplified the Jesuit ideals of faith, service, and leadership. His contributions to Jesuit High School and the broader New Orleans community will continue to inspire future generations.

Funeral arrangements will be posted here once available.