Statement on the Legacy and Impact of Sheldon "Skip" Brechtel


Family and friends are invited to celebrate Skip’s life at a service on


Saturday, March 8

St. Mary’s Assumption Church

923 Josephine St.

New Orleans, LA



Visitation will take place from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass in his honor.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Advisory Council, staff and the entire Clover family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, leader, and mentor, Sheldon “Skip” Brechtel.


For nearly two decades, Skip was a guiding force at Clover (formerly Kingsley House), dedicating himself wholeheartedly to our mission. From the moment he joined the Board, he brought vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening our agency and the community we serve.


As Board President from 2006 to 2008, Skip led Clover through one of its most challenging times—helping to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Even while facing his own personal health battles, he remained steadfast in his leadership, embodying resilience and optimism. Those who worked alongside him called him SUPERMAN, a reflection of the strength, wisdom, and compassion he brought to every challenge.


His commitment to Clover never wavered. After his Board tenure, Skip continued to champion our mission as President of the Clover Foundation until 2023. He also co-chaired our 125th Anniversary campaign, Ensuring the Future, Preserving the Legacy, helping raise over $2 million to ensure Clover’s impact for generations to come.

Skip’s extraordinary legacy is woven into the very fabric of our organization. His leadership, generosity, and belief in the power of community will continue to inspire us far into the future.


In recognition of his service, Clover dedicated the Skip Brechtel Park in his honor in 2023, a lasting tribute to his unwavering commitment to our mission and community.


Pictured from left: Clover CEO Keith Liederman, Ph.D., Skip Brechtel, and Clover Past President and Advisory Council Member Bill Hammack.

Our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Patti, and their children and grandchildren. May they find comfort in the profound love and admiration all of us at Clover and so many throughout our city, state and nation have for him.

Skip, we are forever grateful, and will miss you dearly.



Keith Liederman, Ph.D.

CEO, Clover NOLA Inc.


Kea Sherman, Esq.

Board President


Margaret M. Richard, Ph.D.

Advisory Council Chair

Read Skip's Obituary 
Make a Tribute Donation

About Clover

Established in 1896, Clover's mission is to educate children, strengthen families, and build community.


Clover (formerly known as Kingsley House) envisions a city and region where all young children are ready to succeed, and all citizens are healthy and economically stable. Recognizing that vulnerable families are at risk of being caught in an intractable cycle of poverty, we are committed to ensuring that individuals and families have the supports necessary to be successful at all stages of life. To accomplish our goals, we join forces with dedicated community partners and collectively work with families to fuel economic growth and social change in our city, state, and region.

Clover New Orleans | clovernola.org

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