Leo Luke Grizzaffi Sr., 89, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Leo was born December 1, 1932, in Morgan City, the eldest child of Frank Peter Grizzaffi Sr. and Alice Randall Grizzaffi.
Leo was a Korean War Veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Navy onboard the USS Grasp. He loved his country, enjoyed discussing his conservative political views, and standing up for what he believed in. Leo graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, now Central Catholic, where he was influential in starting the school’s first football team and was inducted into the CCHS Hall of Fame.
Leo was a member of the Morgan City Wharf Committee, Sons of the American Revolution, the Louisiana Bluebird Society, the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors, the Holy Name Society, and the NRA. He was an entrepreneur and owned several companies throughout his lifetime, notably Leo’s Firestone. He had many interests and hobbies which included hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking, beekeeping, and genealogy. Leo also enjoyed piloting a small plane. He also medaled in the Louisiana Senior Olympics as a sprinter.
Leo was an intelligent and loving man with a thirst for knowledge, and enjoyed passing it on to others. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his “Honey”, best friend, love of his life and wife of 67 years, Marie “Tena” Rousso Grizzaffi of Morgan City; six children, Donna Grizzaffi Burke (Myron) of Morgan City, Melanie Grizzaffi O’Neil (Steve) of Gulf Shores, AL, Leo Grizzaffi Jr. (Leigh) of Morgan City, Julie Grizzaffi Walker of Lafayette, Bruce Grizzaffi (Jackie) of Baton Rouge, Gregory Grizzaffi (Brigitte) of Baton Rouge; one sister, Belva Grizzaffi Myers (J.D.) of Morgan City; 13 grandchildren, Jacques “Jake” Olivier (Michelle), Matthew Olivier, Abby Burke, Emily Burke, Benjamin Olivier, Leo “Luca” Grizzaffi, Elizabeth Walker, Salvatore Grizzaffi (Marissa), Mariel Walker, Michael Grizzaffi, Grant Grizzaffi, Ava Grizzaffi, and Lucy Grizzaffi; two step-grandchildren, Roderick and Lauren Burke; three great-grandchildren, Clara and Audrey Olivier, Evelyn Grizzaffi. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Janice Grizzaffi and Earline Grizzaffi, and brother-in-law Matthew Rousso (Janet).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alice Grizzaffi; four siblings, Abbie Grizzaffi, Frank Grizzaffi Jr., Ronald Grizzaffi Sr. and Alice Grizzaffi Vial (David “Jerry”.)
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Cefalu and Dr. Valdez, along with Leo’s caregivers.
Memorial gifts can be given to Central Catholic School in Morgan City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2022, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Very Reverend Jay L. Baker, J.C.L. officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, October 14, 2022 at Holy Cross Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Following Mass, Leo will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum, where military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy and the East St. Mary Veteran’s Squad.
Arrangememts have been entrusted to Twin City Funeral Home in Morgan City.