Matthew Albert LaNasa

LaNASA Matthew Albert LaNasa, 85 years old, passed away March 5, 2014, after an extended illness. Matt was born in New Orleans on July 11, 1928. He attended St. Aloysius High School in New Orleans, graduating in 1945, and then graduating from Loyola University in 1950, majoring in biology. He taught several classes of undergraduates while he was at Loyola, and received numerous awards and honors there as well. Matt was a lieutenant in the medical corps of the U.S. Army Reserve for 10 years, receiving an honorable discharge. He then worked for Bristol Myers Laboratories for 38 years before retirement. Matt was an avid fan of LSU sports. He couldn't wait for football season every year to cheer on the Tigers. Matt was a member of the Krewe of Babylon and of Anubis for many years. He also loved to go fishing with his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and was happiest with all of his children and grandchildren around him. He was a devout Catholic, and a parishioner of St. Clement of Rome Church in Metairie. He was a member for many years of the Knights of Columbus at St. Louis King of France and St. Clement, as well as of Alhambra, holding offices in both organizations. He also attended yearly retreats at Manresa House. Matt had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. He was preceded in death by his parents Marion Edward and Adeline Messina LaNasa. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Webster LaNasa, and his five daughters: Robin LaNasa, Jane LaNasa Barnes (Daniel), Melanie LaNasa Garland (Ronald), Ellen LaNasa Loop (Walter), and Missy LaNasa Reynolds (Sean). He also had seven grandchildren: Walter II, Megan, and Tyler Loop; Lauren and Nicholas Barnes; and Caroline and Hailey Reynolds. Matt died doing what he loved-spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the staff of Canon Hospice: Dr. Donald Persich, Angela Burke, R.N., and his other caregivers: Trimeca Bell, Cathy Bachemin, Juliette Kilbert and Reverend Earl Hodges for their excellent care of Matt in his last illness. They would especially like to thank Angela and Reverend Earl for their support at the hospital. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 12 Noon. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. For those so desiring, memorial contributions may be made in Matt's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The American Heart Association. To view and sign the family guestbook visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.