Russell John Culotta, Sr.

Russell John Culotta Sr. passed away Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at the age of 91. He was the son of Mary Gerace Culotta and Joseph Culotta Sr. of Baton Rouge, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Culotta Jr., and his wife Barbara, and his youngest brother, Leonard Culotta. He is survived by his sons, Billy Loftin, Jr., Russell Culotta, Jr., Chris Culotta (Kelly), and Jeffrey Culotta (Emily); grandchildren, Madelyn Ritchie, Alexandra Hennigan (Daniel), Logan Loftin (Kaitlyn), and Fletcher Culotta; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Harper Hennigan; brothers, James Culotta (Kay), Jackie Culotta (Sharon); and Godchildren, Karen Stubbs and Ross DeNicola, Jr. Russell was a graduate of Catholic High School (51’) in Baton Rouge and went on to graduate from LSU and attended Law School for two years thereafter. After college he was drafted into the Army and served in San Francisco, CA after his basic training. After the Army, he returned to Baton Rouge and went to work for the State of Louisiana Civil Service in Human Resources. He was appointed Human Resources Director of the City of Baton Rouge by former Mayor Woody Dumas where he served until 1971. He returned to State Civil Service where he was appointed Human Resources Director for the Department of Public Safety until his retirement. During his career he was awarded the Charles E. Dunbar Jr. Career Civil Service Award which is the highest honor classified state employees can receive. Russell served on many boards and did volunteer work for various organizations including St. Vincent DePaul. He enjoyed spending time at Manresa in Convent, LA and was a faithful parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 5pm to 8pm, and will resume at St. Jude Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 9am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. The Culotta Family would like to extend a special thanks to the Hospice of Baton Rouge and the staff of Holly Court Assisted Living for the unwavering support and care of Russell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Of Baton Rouge or Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.