Nicholas D. Lorusso

Nicholas D. Lorusso, 96, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Born on November 8, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey to Dominick Lorusso, of Avigliano, Italy and Erminia Landolfi Lorusso, of Buccino, Italy, Nick was a devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, athlete, healthcare provider and Soldier. He graduated from Eastside High School in Newark, NJ in 1947 where he was a member of the National Honor Society, football and swimming teams, and captain of the track team. Nick then became a proud Scarlet Knight at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he played 150-lbs. football, lacrosse and was a four-year varsity letterman in wrestling. He excelled academically and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. Nick was also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and graduated in 1952 with a bachelor of science degree in Education. After obtaining a certificate in Physical Therapy in 1955 and a Master of Arts in 1957 from NYU, Nick practiced for the next fifty years, serving as the Chief Physical Therapist at Ochsner Foundation Hospital and as an Assistant Professor at LSU School of Medicine. He also helped establish the Physical Therapy degree program at LSU and was its first curriculum director. Nick later went into private practice and co-founded Davidson & Lorusso Physical Therapy with his good friend and business partner John Davidson, P.T.

Nick had a long and distinguished military career, serving in the National Guard, U.S. Army and Army Reserves, for over four decades. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the enlisted ranks and retired at the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps. In his last duty assignment, he served as the liaison officer to the United States Military Academy at West Point for applicants in the Greater New Orleans area.

Nick was a dedicated parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, always had something growing in his garden, was an avid follower of sports, especially football and wrestling, but mostly enjoyed spending time with his family.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 56 years, Virginia Guarino Lorusso; his sisters, Rose Lorusso and Josephine Pellettiere; and brother, Pasquale Lorusso. He is survived by his sisters, Lucia Mensick and Anna Rose Naples; two sons, Giovanni D. Lorusso, M.D. (Jenny) and Nicholas J. Lorusso (Michelle); and grandchildren Nicholas D. Lorusso II, Gabriella L. Lorusso, Sophia E. Lorusso, Giovanni C. Lorusso, Isabella M. Lorusso and Katherine O. Lorusso; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Christian Burial with military honors. Reverend Anthony McGinn, SJ, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church, will be Celebrant of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.