2011 ISNS Hot Husbands

We are happy to present Inside Northside’s Hot Husbands 2011!

Without a doubt, northshore wives think their husbands are HOT—for many, many reasons! Most of all, they expressed their love for and their deep appreciation of their guys.

This year, we received more than twice as many submissions as in 2010. Many thanks to all of the wives who entrusted their unique love letters to us. It was a privilege for us to read them. We are able to share here only edited selections from representative responses—but we hope that each original letter found its way to the intended recipient as a Valentine.

Larry Decuers
Submitted by Beth Decuers

I met Larry when he was serving in the army over 15 years ago, and even after many years of marriage, he is more and more loving each and every day. He can make me laugh non-stop at any given moment. He has the uncanny ability to know exactly when to pick up the phone and call me if I am having a tough day at work.

One of the very hottest things about my husband is the passion with which he approaches his unique career. Larry is the Collections Curator for the National World War II Museum and his vast knowledge and passion for the history, the artifacts, the weapons and the stories of the Veterans who served is truly inspiring.

I am so proud of him for turning his hobby of WWII history and military re-enacting into a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity for himself. But more importantly, I am extremely proud of his role in helping to preserve for future generations the important military history of those who served from the greatest generation before us to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

We recently lost our beloved pet named Kramer, a 13-year-old Weimaraner, and it was Larry that got me through those toughest days with countless funny memories we shared. He is a writer, painter, actor, marksman and adventurer. He is extraordinarily handsome but his internal qualities are far more impressive and enduring. To me, he is a loving husband, inspiration and best friend.

Byron Beck
Submitted by Regina Beck

Not only is Byron the hottest husband on the northshore, he is truly the BEST father and friend any child or friend could ask for.

Over the 24 years we have been married, I have seen Byron go above and beyond for his children and his friends. He has a love for our three kids that is so amazing, and he has instilled such a sense of respect and truthfulness in his children that sometimes is hard to believe. Byron has taught his children the value of hard work and honesty, while still being a friend to his kids. I have never seen a father be able to be the disciplinarian as well as a fun dad to hang out with, but he is all of that and more to his kids.

One of the sweetest gifts my husband gave our children really wasn’t a gift at all, but a life lesson they will never forget. When we were in New Orleans after Katrina, he was so touched by all of the homeless families that were living under the bridges that he helped organize an act of kindness through Wal-Mart, where he works as a Market Manager. Byron brought our daughters with him to give out tents, food and warm clothing to all those families that were devastated by the storm.

So when someone asks me how to describe my husband, I simply say he’s an angel living here among us. I thank God every
day that he blessed me with Byron Beck—my lover, my friend and the father to our three children. He is truly the love of my life and the hottest man on the northshore.

Anthony Delpidio
Submitted by Christie Delpidio

Talented, faithful, intelligent and honest are just a few adjectives that describe my “hottie husband.” Anthony is one of the hardest-working men you will meet. He refuses to fail in anything he does, and thus far, personally and professionally, he has been a total success. Everything he does is for me and our girls.

Anthony and I are high school sweethearts. After dating for 10 years, we were married in 1998 and have been enjoying our life together ever since. After 22 years, each day is still an adventure. He is a dedicated father to our two beautiful daughters, Maiya, 10, and Isabella, 4. There is nothing he would not do for his “ladies.”

I have yet to find something that he cannot do. Within 18 months, our family home was flooded and rebuilt, we had a baby, sold our home, left Anthony’s job, moved to Tangipahoa Parish and purchased The Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe in Hammond. It was a very stressful time for me, but he maintained a can-do attitude through it all and made it happen with no major issues.

I am very lucky to have Anthony as my life partner. As far as we are concerned, he already holds the title of “Hottest Husband” in our house. I hope that he knows how very much he is loved and appreciated, and I can only pray that we will have a long and happy life together. I am proud to say that I am Mrs. Anthony Delpidio.

Joe Vigil
Submitted by Nikki Vigil

I will never forget the day I realized how special Joe was. We had just started dating, and Joe was working a college job at a facility for mentally disabled adults. One day he took me up to meet “his guys.” The care he showed for those men was like nothing I had ever seen. His actions spoke 1,000 words about the kind of person he is. In that moment, I knew he was the one.

Fast forward 15 years and we now have a severely disabled child of our own. Although our life is more hectic and busy than many people can imagine, Joe will always take time to talk to someone who needs him, whether it’s a friend, acquaintance or person on the street. Joe has always been that “best friend” that everyone needs. Consequently, he chose psychology as his profession. The way he can spend all day at work listening to other people’s problems when he has so much to deal with in his own life is amazing. He never complains.

Just because Joe is always there for others does not mean he’s not there for his family, too. He never misses a gymnastics class, a soccer game or a birthday party that our kids are invited to, even if he is the only father in the room at the princess tea party. He makes sure that our older daughter never misses out on any experience that will enrich her life, regardless of her disability. This confidence and caring are what makes me love him…oh, and he’s pretty hot, too!

Kenneth Newton Sr.
Submitted by Mary Newton

I count myself as a very blessed woman to have been married to a wonderful husband and terrific father for nearly 22 years.

Thirty years ago, we meet in high school. As the story goes (according to his account), it was love at first sight. Years later, after landing his dream job with NASA, we began the next phase of our life together in marriage.

Ken has spent many years coaching little league soccer, football and basketball for our three terrific children—Kenneth, 18, Kameron, 15, and Kaleb, 10. He is the ultimate encourager and consummate father with a never-give-up attitude. He attends every game and, of course, is one of the loudest cheerleaders and sideline coaches! After moving to Mandeville, Ken quickly involved himself in the MHS band program, and together we headed the concession stand for many years.

Ken’s job requires him to travel often, but ever since the kids were very young, he made a point to call them every night to pray before they went to sleep. (Oh yeah…he’s an ordained minister, too!) My only prayer is that our sons will see their father’s genuine love for them, his work ethic and his faith in God and desire to be like him!

Throughout our marriage, we have come through many challenges: a miscarriage, the loss of his mother and the recent death of his father. I was recently diagnosed with health issues; at times when I become discouraged, Ken reassures me to remain positive and continues to pray over me nightly. He remains a source of strength, dependability and compassion. He is one of the “good ones”! I consider him to be the most multifaceted, intelligent, sensitive, loyal and loving man I’ve ever known. Now that’s hot!

Mark Pilie
Submitted by Catherine Pilie

My husband, Mark, remains the most unique, sexy and truly exciting man I have ever known. We have been married 16 years.
As a husband, what more can I say; he is my best friend. We laugh, we cry, we parent, we fight, we love, we are who we are, nothing more. We have been through some great times and some very difficult ones. Mark has a true sense of family and togetherness. And he will always seize an opportunity to make me happy.

As a father, he has always stressed the importance of literature, books and music to our children, Noel and Claudia. He still knows how to be a kid. Mark is a huge Rolling Stones fan—“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was a favorite bath time song in our house.
One of the most appealing things about him is his “go for it” attitude. After Hurricane Katrina, I was completely rattled and vowed I would not let life pass me by. I approached Mark and said, “Let’s go to Paris in July to see the Rolling Stones.” He sat silent for a moment and then said, “LET’S DO IT!”

After Katrina, Mark took a position with the Shaw Group, which enabled him to oversee the majority of the debris removal in St. Tammany Parish. His compassion for the people of Louisiana devastated by the storm made him determined to do his part to make sure people could return home, rebuild, open their businesses and return to school.

What makes Mark so sexy is that he fits into any situation and is always himself. Watching him gazing out at Paris at midnight on top of the Eiffel Tower, to navigating a boat through a misty swamp, I am marveled by all of the things this man can be. Mark is as raw as he is refined, which by any standard is completely sexy.

Damon Duke
Submitted by Nikki Duke

I suppose that every little girl grows up forming and perfecting her idea of what her future husband will be like. I know I did. What I didn’t know, however, is that the hypothetical “Prince Charming” would pale in comparison to the man that I would ultimately be blessed to marry. Not only is he physically handsome with his perfect smile and crystal blue eyes, he is the kindest, most patient and caring person I have ever been privileged to know.

Damon is very laid back. We have been married more than seven years, and I have never heard him raise his voice out of anger. I think that’s pretty hot! He is clever and oh-so-smart and can defeat just about anyone in a good game of trivia.

For work, Damon makes television commercials, and I’m always so proud when I see a cool new commercial that he’s made on TV! Not only is he smart and talented with computers and cameras, Damon is also a drummer. He is one of the original members of the local cover band Bottoms Up, and he loves it! He’s pretty hot playing those drums, by the way!

Most importantly, Damon is respectful, kind, courteous, honest, reliable, funny, charming and just downright likeable. Ask anyone who knows him. He’s one of those “good guys” that people fear aren’t around anymore. His presence makes everyone around him feel immediately comfortable. He is a fantastic husband and a great friend, uncle, son and father to our sweet cats that he spoils rotten! He is truly an amazing man. I thank God every day for being able to share my life with him.

Jeff Watkins
Submitted by Heather Watkins

On a daily basis, my husband is the best father, husband and friend I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. After my first husband passed away in a tragic car accident, Jeff showed me the friendship, understanding and support that I needed.

Almost a decade later, we married, and I was a part of an instant family, including his two sons, Evan and Lane. Since then, we have welcomed Jack and Emory, Jeff’s first baby girl, into our family. To watch Jeff focus his entire being on his family is amazing. It brings tears to my eyes every night when I watch and listen to him snuggling with our kids during bedtime.

Jeff has always been my rock and support. After moving back to Mandeville last year, his attention was mostly on his new job, but he never lost sight of what was most important—his family. In October of this year, he left his career of almost 20 years to focus, yet again, on his family. Jeff humbly took a job paying much less, with MW Components as a farm equipment broker, so he could work from home to be with us at least 15 more hours each week.

He loves God and teaches our kids the importance of keeping Jesus in our hearts and lives. In addition to being a monthly United Way contributor for 20 years, Jeff has traveled to El Salvador to install water wells for villages that had no running water.

This man is my everything. He loves me for who I am and has never asked me to change anything about myself or compromise any part of my morals or values for him or anyone else. Did I mention he loves to cook, sings a mean country song and looks great in jeans and cowboy boots?

Matthew Lee
Submitted by Lauren Lee

When it comes to husbands, Matt is the complete package! I consider myself very lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life. He is a hard worker, loving and most certainly a family man.

It can be difficult for a working mother to keep the house together and care for the children, but Matt helps share these responsibilities by tending to the lawn, cooking and cleaning. He will take our children to the doctor, drop them off at school and pick them up. Matt doesn’t even have a problem with changing dirty diapers!

Now you might think that he is a stay-at-home dad, but he is not. Matt actually works very hard to provide for our family. The key here is that he is a hard worker, not a workaholic. When he is at home, his mind is on our family and not his occupation.

Matt’s work schedule of 12-hour shifts at the Naval Air Station Base in Belle Chasse provides him with the opportunity to have two or three days off during the week. Most people would use this time to stay home and rest. Matt, however, has chosen to use his down time to continue his education by attending the University of New Orleans.

Among all of Matt’s wonderful characteristics, the commitment he has made in being a father is his best! He has coached our son’s tee ball team, often eats lunch with our oldest child at school, has accompanied me to as many doctors’ appointments as possible during both pregnancies and almost always ends his day by reading a nightly story to our 6-year-old. And I think that’s hot!

Danny Boudreaux
Submitted by Hillary Boudreaux

Danny is so one-of-a-kind, I’ve never met anyone like him.

His creativity is one of my favorite things about him. For our engagement, Danny made sure it was as unique as he is. We bought kayaks, paddled our way to the “beach” at the mouth of the Tchefuncte River and picnicked until sunset. Danny presented me with a bottle of pink OPI nail polish that was named “Marry Me Berry” (my maiden name is Berry). The way Danny proposed is such an example of how he puts so much thought, love and effort into making whatever it is the best.

I love to see him make other people laugh. He’s all about having fun, and that is what makes him such an awesome daddy to our daughter, Camille, 4, and our two sons, Walker, 2, and Porter, 7 months. The kids adore him and that just makes me even crazier about him. Danny has always been into spending quality time with me and our kids and doesn’t like to be too far away from us for too long. He’s sweet and sensitive to when we need together time. He also makes sure we go to church as a family, which sets such a good example for our children.

Danny works as financial advisor for Edward Jones in Slidell, and I get to stay at home with our kids. This is an amazing sacrifice for him, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be home with our sweet babies while they are little.

I haven’t even mentioned yet that Danny isn’t too hard on the eyes! Overall, what makes him the hottest husband is the whole enchilada! He’s cute, romantic, smart, funny, a great daddy, friendly and loved by everyone, and he makes me feel incredibly loved. Now that’s hot!

Jason Finley
Submitted by Lisa Finley

My husband is beautiful on the inside and out. I could not have asked for a more perfect husband and father of my children than him. We were best friends for over 12 years before we got married. It is truly better to marry your best friend.
We just had our 10-year anniversary, and we have a 9-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. Jason is a man of God, extremely hard working, very generous and loving. He always puts his family first.

Jason runs our two Smoothie King stores in Mandeville and Hammond, and he comes in from working all day, does homework with our son and helps with our baby. Seems like he never gets tired. He coaches our son’s basketball league, helps clean house, does laundry, works out and plays tennis.

A few years ago my father passed away, and what did my husband do? He built a new house for us and included a mother-in-law suite so my mom could live with us. I could go on and on about all the wonderful things he has done for people and about his generosity.

Jason is truly a wonderful man. I feel I don’t thank him enough for everything he does. I hear all the time about how gorgeous my husband is, but he is even more beautiful on the inside. I thank God for him all the time. As the famous movie quote goes, “He completes me.”

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty, March-April 2011, Northshore Living, Northshore Notables, You and Your Family