Jude Daniel Fuselier

Jude Daniel Fuselier died at home after a brief illness on January 10, 2021. Born July 3, 1941 in St. Martinville, Louisiana, Dan grew up on a farm in Arnaudville, Louisiana as the tenth child of Ernest Fuselier and Madeline Barras Fuselier. Dan’s first language was French. After a stint at Catholic Seminary, Dan attended and graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), now University of Louisiana in Lafayette. Dan lived in New Orleans since 1966 and worked as a real estate investor and later as an innkeeper. Dan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Ann Weilbaecher Fuselier, his two sons, Daniel Fuselier of San Luis Obispo, California and Jacques Fuselier (Sarah) of New Orleans and three grandchildren, Sophie and Camille Fuselier of New Orleans and Andres Fuselier of California.
Dan was a member of the USL track team as a long-distance runner and his interest in running continued throughout his life. Dan was a member of the 1968 US track team and competed in the Pan American Games in Mexico City as a prelude to the 1968 Olympics. He was the first American to complete a marathon in Mexico City. Dan participated in marathons in Boston and Paris and was a founder of the Mardi Gras Marathon. Dan was a charter member and served as President of the New Orleans Track Club from 1967-1969. He and his brothers Larry and Joe were inaugural inductees in the New Orleans Track Club Hall of Fame.
Dan was an indefatigable bon vivant. He traveled widely – Russia, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Mexico – and loved a good meal and bottle of wine. He was generous in spirit, the soul of hospitality and a talented raconteur. Dan was an avid reader and loved 17th century French history.
Dan was a lifelong, faithful Catholic and served as an usher at St. Louis Cathedral for many years. He cherished the many retreats he attended at Manresa House of Retreats in Convent, Louisiana. The Memorial Services are postponed until the COVID-19 pandemic abates.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Manresa House of Retreats or the New Orleans Track Club.
Arrangements entrusted to Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home.