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Rosario Crifasi Obituary

CRIFASI, D.D.S., ROSARIO S. "TOOTSIE" "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 the Aleutian 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advocate from Mar. 10 to Mar. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosario Crifasi

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Belle (Kleinpeter) Gascon

March 14, 2007

Dear Renee: I just had to send you my sympathy, thoughts and prayers on hearing from you today that you lost your dad! My heart breaks for you, knowing how much you will miss him each day for the rest of your life, but truly those every day thoughts will bring you comfort in the days to come! Always keep him close in your heart, for that is where he shall live forever!! All those great memories that you so lovingly shared with me about your parents only made my meeting them (quite by accident at a restaurant one evening!!) all the more special...I could see where you got your sweet smile and your love of life and your family and friends!! This heritage from your dad will always be with you and you will ALWAYS have him with you in all that you do!!! Know that I am thinking of you and your family and that you are all in my prayers! Love you, Belle

Lea Roppolo

March 13, 2007

DeEtte & Dr.Mike I am so sorry to here of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

susan konikoff williber

March 12, 2007

what a wonderful life he had and my parents dr and mrs ben konikoff who are now deceased enjoyed his freind ship much love to all susan konikoff williber

Eva Maria Lundin

March 12, 2007

Ms. Rita and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be thinking of you, with hope that this time will provide peace for each of you.

Debbie Little

March 12, 2007

Dear Mrs. Crifasi and Family,

I am so sorry to here of Dr. Crifasi's passing. Thinking of you both brings back many wonderful memories of when my parents, (both deceased) Chief Howard and Mrs. Sindee Kidder, Sr. and I used to go out for dinner, or see you at a wedding dancing over the past many years. We used to love to watch you dance, it was such a pleasure. You were perfect together. Such grace. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Tom Lundin Jr.

March 12, 2007

Dear Miss Rita, DeEtte, Renee and families, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I was saddened to hear from my mother the news of Dr. Crifasi's passing. I will always remember his kind and inviting laughter. He will be missed, and was cherished, by everyone in our family.

Mark Maggio

March 12, 2007

To The Crifasi Family, I am saddened to learn of DR. Crifasi's death. He was surely a pleasureable gentleman and he will be sorely missed. May God bless you all during this time, Mrs. Crifasi, DeEtte, Mike, Renee and Mike and all.

Mary Miller

March 12, 2007

Wow! What an amazing love affair of two devoted people that lasted for over 60 years. Visiting with Uncle Tootsie was like having my Papa back. I considered a visit with Uncle Tootsie as an extra gift from God and a little piece of heaven. He was a happy, happy man that loved life and his family. I will keep all of you in our prayers as I know how your heart will ache not seeing him everyday. Know that he is in Heaven with his mom and dad and all of his siblings. All of our love. Jeff, Mary, Joseph, and Mary Grace Miller

carolyn Staples

March 10, 2007

DeEtte & Renee, Sorry to learn of your father"s passing. I so used to enjoy the stories you shared of your parents life together. Our prayers and thoughts are with your families--Carolyn & Don Staples

Rob Konikoff

March 10, 2007

A friend of and to my dad... As my dad would say, it's better to remember how he lived than knowing that he passed. My condolences to Dr Crifasi's family. I've said a special prayer.

connie konikoff

March 10, 2007

My parents loved Dr. and Mrs. Crifasi. I'm very sorry for your loss of Dr. Crifasi. It's hard to believe or accept that a lifetime flies by so quickly. You are all in my prayers. I'm very glad that you had him for so long.
Connie Konikoff (daughter of Dr. Ben and Gloria Konikoff)

Larry & Prudence Konikoff

March 10, 2007

Dr. Crifasi was a good frind of my Dads (Dr. Ben) as our family was growing up in Baton Rouge. He was always a super guy to be around. He will be missed.
The Konikoff Family

Angela Brocato Hood

March 10, 2007

I am so very shock at the death of Dr. C. He was so good to me as a patient. I really loved him and he was so funny at times. My prayers are with you all Ann

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