Richard D. Baruzzi

Richard Dagober Baruzzi was born June 6, 1919 in St. Paul, MN and passed away on September 16, 2011 at his residence in Gretna, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Tilly Baruzzi and Gottfried Baruzzi; brother, Rudolph Baruzzi and his first wife of 50 years, Reinette Sevin Baruzzi. Survivors include his wife of 7 years, Theresa Kempf Baruzzi; sister, Dagmar Rhyne; niece, April Nunnally and nephew, Fred Rhyne. He graduated from the New York Merchant Marine Academy and served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He also served in the Naval Reserves until 1967 and the U.S. Coast Guard. Richard worked with various companies before joining The Hartford Steam Boiler and retired after 30 years. He formed R.D. Baruzzi Enterprises primarily doing boiler inspections and engine exhaust analysis for numerous companies throughout the United States. He was the first male president of the West Jefferson Hospital Auxiliary, was one of the founding families of St. Cletus Catholic Church in Gretna, was a member of the American Legion Post No. 64, Italian-American Society of Jefferson, St. Cletus Knights of Columbus Council No. 8615 and the Greater Gretna Civic Assoc. The family extends their thanks and gratitude to Vicky and Lataria for their care and compassion, to Interim Health Care, River Region Hospice and to David Kempf.
Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation at St. Cletus Catholic Church 3600 Claire Avenue in Gretna on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will follow. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Masses or donations in his memory may be made to your favorite charity. MOTHE FUNERAL HOMES in charge of arrangements. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com.