Dominick Edward Losavio

On December 11, 2013, Dominick Edward "Denny" Losavio passed into the loving arms of his Almighty Father who was at the center of his faith. Denny was born October 29, 1926, as the eighth of the ten children of Salvatere Losavio, from Alia, Italy, and Vincenza Catalano of Convent, LA. He was married for over forty years to Rose Marie Ferrara, who preceded him in death, as did their infant son Carl Joseph Losavio. He is survived by four sons and their spouses: Samuel Dominick and Rebecca Ward Losavio, Dennis Edward and Susan Pincomb Losavio, Stephen Charles and Cynthia Lamy Losavio, and Thomas and Ava Gonzales Losavio; and one daughter, Margaret Rose Losavio Jolly and husband Henry William Jolly III. Denny was also blessed to meet Marie Theresa "Piper" Higginbotham, who shared his family and faith journey as his wife for the past twenty years. He is survived by Piper and her two children and their spouses: son David Todd and wife Pam Foster Guitreau, and daughter Ella Denise Guitreau Chandler and husband Robert Chandler. Denny was also preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Russell "Bucky" Losavio, Marie Losavio Canezaro, Mary Agnes Losavio Landry, Rosalie Losavio Musso, Josephine Losavio Corby, Sister Madeline, OP (Lena Losavio), and Phillip Losavio. He is survived by sisters Marjorie Losavio and Anna Belle Losavio Manuel. You could say that Denny was an ordinary man by worldly standards. But his death marked the passing of a man revered as a hero by those who were privileged to know him as father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, or friend. He was born into a large family during harsh economic times. As one of ten children, his values and work ethic were shaped by his Italian Catholic heritage, his upbringing on Highland Road during the Depression era, and the specter of World War II. As a South Louisiana raised boy, he developed a love of fishing, cooking and LSU, and these affections he would pass on to his own children and grandchildren. Denny was an exemplary student and athlete at Catholic High School (honored as a Grizzly Great in 1983), and was called into service in the Army before his graduation. In this he joined thousands of others who placed service above self, in his case almost certainly sacrificing the opportunity for a college education and athletic career. He was part of a massive assembly of armed forces headed for the planned invasion of Japan when the use of the atomic bomb abruptly ended the war. He served the remainder of his duty as a military policeman stationed in the Philippines near Manila. Upon returning from the service, Denny and his brother Bucky met two sisters from the small town of Tickfaw. Rose would become Denny's wife and mother to his six children. Rose's sister Kay and Bucky were also married and the four would join together in operating a family business, Highland Laundry and Cleaners, for nearly forty years, enabling each couple to care for and educate their children through St. Agnes, Catholic High School, St. Joseph's Academy, and on through college. Even after they sold the business, Denny would continue working as both track official and game marshal for virtually all major LSU sporting events for nearly thirty years, and as bailiff in family court for numerous years. His diligence made him perfectly suited to these roles, and many will particularly remember him fondly as a friendly fixture in the third base portal of the grandstands at the old Alex Box stadium. Besides his work history, he possessed near-legendary skills with practically any tool and his innate knowledge of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical matters was phenomenal at times. These skills were almost surely self-taught and further reflected his character and work ethic. After a long affiliation with St. Agnes Catholic Church, Denny and his family became charter parishioners of St. Jude Catholic Church, where he practiced his faith until his passing. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he was honored as a Grand Knight. Denny was always a man of quiet, steadfast faith who loved his family immensely and took great joy in his legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. This was never more evident than during his final days when, despite his failing health, a visit from one of these would brighten the smile on his face and bring a twinkle to his eye. The measure of his joy is only partially reflected in his surviving progeny: grandchildren Andrew Losavio, Lauren Losavio, Bradley Losavio, Lynn Losavio Highland, Kaye Losavio McIntyre, Elizabeth Jolly, Stephen Losavio, Jr., Scott Losavio, Paul Losavio, Claire Losavio Willis, Daniel Losavio, Anna Losavio McEvers, Matthew Losavio, Wayne Losavio, Deana Losavio Meredith, Mark Losavio, Mary Grace Losavio, Timothy Losavio, Rose Losavio, Sarah Losavio, David Losavio, and Catherine Ruth Losavio; and Rusty Allen, Jennifer Dupre, Billy Chandler, Katie Chandler, and Robbie Chandler. Additionally, twenty-two beautiful surviving great grandchildren were blessed to be held in Denny's loving arms, and the knowledge that three others were due only added to his pride and joy before he passed. As truly reflective of Italian tradition and his rich Catholic faith, Denny's simplicity, strength of faith in the face of adversity, and his embracing of his family embodied the spirit of St. Joseph as head of the Holy Family. We can take comfort that our hero now rests forever with that same Holy Family. We wish to thank all of the caregivers and medical professionals who personify the type of selfless service that Denny provided to others. Services celebrating the life and death of one of the last icons of the "Greatest Generation" will be held December 13th with visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Government Street, and December 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m at St. Jude Catholic Church, to be followed immediately by Mass of Christian Burial presided by Fr. Michael Collins with assistance from Fr. Trey Nelson. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers, including those honorary, will be his grandsons along with nephews Victor P. Musso, Bennie Canezaro, Sam R. Losavio, and Peter J. Losavio, Jr. In lieu of flowers, we respectfully ask that you consider a memorial donation to Catholic High School. The family invites you to come share your memories of Denny and rejoice with us for the great gift of his life.