D.D.S. Rosario S. Crifasi

"Tootsie," as he was fondly called, peacefully passed away at his home on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at 8:45 p.m.He was 92. After graduating from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1942, he entered the U.S. Army, having served in the Dental Corps as a major for four years in theAleutian Islands. He practiced dentistry in private practice from 1946 until his retirement in 1986. He was a life member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association and Greater Baton Rouge Dental Association. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Delta Dental fraternity, E. Victor Vignes Honorary Society, Knights of Columbus Council 969, American Legion Post 38 and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rita Brocato Crifasi; daughters, Renee Crowell and DeEtte Montalbano; sons-in-law, Dr. Michael J. Montalbano Jr. and Michael Crowell; and grandchildren, Michael J. Montalbano III and his wife, Kristin Gibbs Montalbano, Kerrie Renee Richmond and her husband, Ryan James Richmond, and Katherine Allyn Losavio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Crifasi and Sarah Giglio Crifasi; and siblings, Jennie Dazzio, Dora Benetti, Peter Crifasi Jr. and Zena Bongiovanni. Tootsie was an avid LSU fan and also loved to dance and celebrate at special occasions with his family. Visitation at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 445 Marquette Ave., on Monday, March 12, from 1:30 p.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 3 p.m. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Michael J. Montalbano III, Ryan Richmond, Peter Dazzio, Peter Crifasi III, Peter Lawrence Miller and Albert Raia. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Anthony DiJohn, Dr. Harris Lappin and Dr. Frank DiLeo. The family would like to thank loving friend and caregiver, Isola Chaney, Audubon Home Health staff, Hospice of Baton Rouge, Barbara Hall and her staff, and Betty Lee. The family also would like to express appreciation to Dr. Thomas Quaid, Dr. Steve Zuckerman, Dr. Fred Billings and especially, Dr. Ed Vinci, for the superb care provided throughout Tootsie's illnesses. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Baton Rouge or to a charity of choice.