Dr. Louis Rocco Cannatti

Lou graduated from The Ohio State University as a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1962, and began his dental practice during his U.S. Army service in Augusta, Georgia, immediately following his marriage to the love of his life, Karen Elizabeth Clair in June of 1962. They began their life together in Augusta for two years, before moving to Austin, Texas where they raised their family and lived for nearly 60 years. Their marriage embodied true affection and respect over more than 61 years.

After moving to Austin, Lou began graduate studies in Pharmacology at the University of Texas while starting a private dental practice. He quickly developed a thriving practice with clients from all walks of life. Lou had a chair-side manner that was engaging and positive, being able to have many interesting conversations even when the patient’s mouth was numb with novocaine. For decades, family members, when making new acquaintances with Austinites, would hear glowing and positive stories about Dr. Cannatti being their favorite dentist.

Lou was a passionate and talented golfer throughout his entire life. His experiences growing up as a caddy and playing on local Youngstown municipal courses showed him opportunities that existed beyond his hometown. It was these early experiences, along with his time working in northeastern Ohio’s steel mills, that cultivated the skills and character that would help him succeed in life. While a multi-talented high school athlete, he quickly gravitated to excel in golf, winning many tournaments. He had initially hoped to play on the professional golf tour, but he realized that there might be better career options when Jack Nicklaus joined the Ohio State golf team. He never lost his passion for golf, and continued to compete at the highest levels after moving to Austin, Texas.

He channeled much of his passion for golf into the Austin Country Club where he served for many years as President and Chair of the Green Committee, ultimately leading the club in a multi-year effort to select and build a new golf course at its current location on the shores of Lake Austin.

Throughout his life, Lou provided a strong legacy and example of family unity, starting first and foremost with his undying love and deep affection for his wife, Karen. He made it clear to all that his love for Karen always came first, and his children were happy with this arrangement because he also deeply loved and fully supported all of them, providing an inspiring example of how to live a loving and productive life by being fully engaged in the community as a servant leader. Most importantly, Papa loved and cherished the lives of every one of his 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Rocco and Mary Cannatti and his brother Michael Cannatti. He is survived by his wife, Karen, sisters Mary Lou (Paul) Bevilacqua, and Margaret “Tippi” (Sonny) Boris, his children Mike (Ann Phipps) Cannatti, Karen (Philip) Ingram, Phillip (Jennifer) Cannatti, Ben (Ashley) Cannatti, and their 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Austin Catholic School or Caritas Austin - both in Austin, TX.

Visitation: Friday, January 5, 4pm-6pm. Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home - 5416 Parkcrest, Austin, TX.

Funeral: Saturday January 6, 10am. St. Austin Catholic Parish Church - 2026 Guadalupe, Austin, TX.