Albert A. Nastasi Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Albert A. Nastasi, Jr. claimed his eternal reward on Monday, July 11, 2022 following a brief and intense battle with cancer. Al was born on March 13, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Albert A. Nastasi, Sr. and Norma Benovich Nastasi. In 1960, Al met the love of his life, his "Mona Lisa”, Sharon, and remained happily married for 57 years until his passing. He is survived by his son, Al III (Kellee) his beloved grandchildren, Al IV, Grant, Abbey and Rhett as well as his brother, Michael (Nina), and his sister, Joni (Myles). Coach Nastasi personified passion, pride, and personality. His educational journey began at Saint Catherine of Siena, and he graduated from Saint Aloysius High School in 1960 where he was a Football and Track and Field standout and All State sprinter. He continued his Track and Field journey with a scholarship to LSU yet soon transferred to USL where he had an outstanding career as an All Conference performer and school record holder in the 220-yard dash, a record which is still held to this day due to an evolution in race geometry. Following completion of his BS in Education, he earned a Master’s in Education from Nicholls State University. Anyone who ever met Coach Nastasi could not deny his magnetic presence, his infectious smile or his unyielding passion. His teaching and coaching career originated alongside his coach, mentor and friend, Bobby Nuss, with brief stints at his alma mater, Saint Aloysius, and at Chalmette High School ultimately spending his 30+ year tenure at East Jefferson High School---Once a Warrior- Always a Warrior! As both a Head Football and Track Coach, he had quite a memorable journey coaching in one of the first high school games ever played in the Super Dome, winning countless District and Parish Championships, and leading the Warriors to two State Track and Field Boy’s Championships. But most importantly of all, Coach Nastasi mentored, motivated and inspired hundreds of young men and women forging lifetime meaningful relationships with those entrusted to his care. Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling, trips to the coast, and caring for his property including his signature firewood splitting which he did for 50 years and until his passing. His ultimate joys were his times spent telling stories with family and friends. Al had a larger than life personality and will always be remembered for his innate ability to relentlessly motivate and inspire those around him to believe in themselves and push beyond any self-imposed limitations. For the last decade, Al resumed his tenure as a Track and Field Coach at Saint Paul’s School serving alongside his son as an assistant and helping lead the Wolves to seven District and Parish Championships. Fittingly referred to as Papa Al, he once again left an indelible mark of endearment on all of those he coached. Al served as a member of New Orleans Saints Chain Crew for over 40 years, worked innumerable Super Bowls, and in 2014 received the Joe Giamelli Fleur de Lis award (an award to person who has contributed to the betterment of the New Orleans Saints and supported the franchise) as a part of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Friends and family are invited to share in the celebration of Al’s life on Thursday, July 21, 2022 with a visitation at EJ Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Ave, Covington, LA 70433 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Mass and burial will follow at Saint Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Rd, St Benedict, LA 70457 beginning at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Cancer Society or to East Jefferson High School to the Coach Al Nastasi, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund which will be awarded to outgoing college bound senior student(s) who meet the eligibility requirements. E. J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Albert A. Nastasi Jr.

March 13, 1942 - July 11, 2022