Kenneth G. "Meatball" Ortolano

Kenneth G. “Meatball” Ortolano, son of the late Roy and Marguerite Ortolano, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the age of 61. Kenny is survived by his son, Corey Savona; his sisters, Patricia O. Randazzo (the late Benny) and Jacquelyn M. Ortolano. Uncle to Gina R. Martin (Scott), Angela R. Lindsey (Charles), Shane M. Praetorius (Leslie), Tara D. Gustin (John), Roy M. DeSalvo (Laura) and seven great nieces and nephews. Kenny graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School in 1974. Kenny played football while attending Shaw High School and was awarded the Allstate Line Back in 1973. He went to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Nicholls State University. While at Nicholls State University, Kenny played nose tackle for the Colonel Football Team from 1975-1978. For his career, he totaled 450 tackles which ranks second on the program’s all-time list, helped by his team high 173 stops in 1978. He was selected as a First Team All Gulf South Conference honoree in 1977 and 1978, and also earned AP Honorable Mention All-American in his junior season. In 1975, the Colonels won the Gulf South Conference Championship as Ortolano anchored a defense that stills holds the program’s record for fewest points (13.2 ppg) and fewest touchdowns (18) allowed. The 76 squad also had a historical season with three shoutouts and surrendered just 247.2 yards per game. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CAA-Football, P.O. Box 2032, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70302. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 9AM until 11:30AM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 610 6th Street, Gretna, LA on Saturday at 12 Noon. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA.