Brother Eldon Crifasi SC passes away

October 8, 2024

Brother Eldon Crifasi passed peacefully into eternal life Friday, September 20, 2024, at Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island at the age of 102 and after 85 years of religious life.

Brother Eldon, the son of Dominic Crifasi and Mary Grace Montagnino, was born May 30, 1922, in Baton Rouge and baptized as Angelo Joseph Crifasi.

Growing up in North Baton Rouge, “A.J.” attended Fairfield Elementary School and then Baton Rouge Junior High before enrolling in Catholic High (CHS). In all three schools, he excelled in basketball, his favorite sport. After graduating from CHS, “A.J.” decided to give the Brothers’ formation program at Metuchen, New Jersey a try. He liked what he experienced in formation, and after his novitiate, he made first vows at Metuchen as Brother Eldon on Aug. 15, 1941. Six years later, he professed final vows on Aug. 5, 1947, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

Brother Eldon Crifasi SCIn 1942, Brother Eldon began his long teaching career. Later in 1955, he earned a BA degree in Education and English from Loyola University in New Orleans and in 1961 an Masters of Art degree in Theology from Notre Dame University in South Bend. He valued the classroom but believed that students remember a teacher’s treatment of them much more than his/her instruction. He also believed in the importance of working with students outside the classroom in sports and other activities. He knew firsthand from his own high school experience the value of affirming students, and Brother Eldon put into practice all his beliefs.

Brother Eldon worked in thirteen different schools in six states: New Jersey, New York,

Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. As a teacher of English and Religion, Brother Eldon took a special interest in his students, especially those struggling. As a basketball coach for six years at CHS in Baton Rouge, he was creative and innovative, introducing a platoon system to give every player an opportunity to do his best.

Brother Eldon served sixteen years as principal in three schools: at Ascension Catholic in Donaldsonville for five years; at St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, for three years; and at Vandebilt Catholic High in Houma for eight years. As an administrator, Brother Eldon had a strong impact on the wider school community by his positive emphasis on charity and service.

In 1991, Brother Eldon returned to CHS where he had previously taught religion and English for nine years and served as assistant principal for three years. He assumed new duties as alumni director in 1991 and enjoyed meeting with alumni and friends sharing time with them and nurturing their love for their alma mater.

After 39 years of ministry in Baton Rouge, Brother Eldon fully retired to the Brothers’ center in Pascoag, Rhode Island in 2018.

Brother Eldon loved his vocation as a Brother of the Sacred Heart and often referred to himself as the luckiest person in the world because he experienced so much love of family and friends. During his long life and full life, Brother Eldon brought love and laughter to thousands of people.

Uncle “A.J.” was pre-deceased by sisters Rose Crifasi, Jennie Fonte (Johnnie) and Rosemary Orr (Jake), and by brothers Ben (Faith), Francis (Sally), Peter (first wife, Zorinne; second wife Hortense) and Sam (Mary Lou). He is survived by his youngest sister, Lorraine Drago (Joe) and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Brother Eldon requested that his body be given to Brown University's School of

Medicine in Providence. When his cremains are returned, they will be interred in the Brothers’ Cemetery in Bay St. Louis. A celebration of Brother Eldon’s life will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 9150 Highland Road, Baton Rouge. A viewing of Brother Eldon’s treasured mementos will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Church followed by a Mass which will start at 10:30 a.m. A reception will be held in the St. Jude Parish Gymnasium following the liturgy.