Lawrence Francis "The Pope" Pontiff

Born on December 22, 1942, in the Irish Channel of New Orleans, Lawrence lived a life defined by family, friendship, laughter, hard work, and love. To know Lawrence was to know someone who could make you laugh, tell a good joke, and make even the simplest moments memorable. He had a special gift for collecting objects that held meaning to him, but what he treasured most were the people in his life. He was a beloved husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a loving uncle and brother, and an incredible friend.

Lawrence graduated from Redemptorist High School in New Orleans in 1963 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Throughout his life, he worked hard and wore many hats. His career included time with the Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Schlitz Beer, and The Times-Picayune. He also coached at Academy of the Holy Angels, where he developed a deep appreciation and love for the Marianites. He later worked at First Parish Court for the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, where he served for 28 years until his retirement in 2023. An entrepreneur at heart, Lawrence also owned and operated Athletic Shoes and Pope’s Screen Printing. He took great pride in his work, but his greatest pride was always his family and the people he loved.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Heyden Pontiff and Lawrence August Pontiff; his beloved sister, Joanne Pontiff; his son, Lawrence Pontiff Jr.; his nephews, Wally Pontiff Jr. and Brian Kovesdi Sr.; and his brother-in-law, Sal Fallo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Charlene Scaffidi Pontiff; his daughters, Michele Pontiff and Monique Pontiff; his daughter-in-law, Maria Pontiff; his grandchildren, William “BJ” Pontiff, Carli Collis-Naquin (Ryan), and Alexander “Sasha” Pontiff; and his great-granddaughter, Evangeline Collis-Naquin. He is also survived by his beloved siblings and their spouses: Al Pontiff and Jackie Beck, Connie and Bobby Geneste, Elizabeth and Eddie Coe, and Wally and Terry Pontiff; as well as his sister-in-law, Florence Fallo. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Mark Kovesdi, John Kovesdi Sr., Charles Kovesdi, Kim Kovesdi (Trisha), Rochelle Geneste Gardere (Kevin), Edward Coe Jr. (Erica), Kristin Coe Burge (Jason), Haley Pontiff, and Nicholas Pontiff (Julie), as well as a number of great nephews and nieces.

To know Lawrence was to know a truly good man. He was kind, generous, and always willing to help. If someone needed something, Lawrence was the person you could call. He gave freely of his time, his talents, and whatever he had to give, never expecting anything in return. He had a genuine heart for people and a way of making those around him feel cared for and welcomed. His generosity was not measured by what he gave, but by the love behind it.

The Pope will be remembered for his laughter, his stories, his incredible sense of humor, and the countless ways he showed up for the people he loved. He leaves behind more than memories; he leaves behind the example of a life lived with kindness, loyalty, hard work, and an open heart.

His absence will be felt deeply by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His stories will be told, his jokes will be repeated, and the lessons he taught through the way he lived will continue through the people he loved.

He was a great man, deeply loved and deeply respected. He will be missed more than words can express, but his love, his kindness, and the memories he gave to so many will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be loved and remembered always.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by Mass. Interment will be held privately at St. Joseph Abbey at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the Team Gleason Foundation or the ALS Association.