"Let us not grieve as those who have no hope." I Thessalonians 4:13. On Monday, March 8, 2021, with family by his side, Edward "Ed" Joseph Blasi was welcomed into eternity by his constant savior and friend, Jesus. On September 17, 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Edward was born to Joseph Francis and Agnes (McGrath) Blasi. Ed attended St. Leo The Great Parochial school (Dominican Sisters). In fifth grade, he transferred to St. Paul's School (Covington, LA), founded by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Ed joined the order of Christian Brothers. He became a teacher himself, teaching in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, eventually returning to St. Paul's as Dean of Students. A lifelong learner, eternally curious and stubbornly persistent, Ed attained academic achievements, earning a B.A. in Social Science (College of Santa Fe) and a M.A. in Government (St. Mary's University). Ed moved on to impact adults as a director of the STAR center for adult literacy (MS). Later, he would tirelessly work for a better education for all as a regional coordinator and lobbyist for Citizens for Educational Freedom (CEF) in Baton Rouge, LA. Following his work with CEF, Ed dedicated himself to impacting the legacies of countless families through financial literacy. Over the course of his forty-five year financial planning career, he generously gave of his time and money and challenged others to try to "out-give God." To best serve his beloved clients, Ed earned the Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Financial Planner designations. He also served on many boards, including the Crisis Intervention Center, The Planned Giving Council, and The Financial Planning Association. On a train bound for St. Louis, Ed met Carol Joan Cliff and determined he was called to be a Christian husband and father, rather than a Christian Brother. Upon receiving an official release from Rome, they married. Their union produced three children and six grandchildren. He loved them all dearly (the feeling was mutual) and was happiest when enjoying life with them. His grandchildren were the wellspring of his later life, and he invested himself in teaching, helping, loving, and listening to them. After surviving a life-threatening bypass surgery, Ed officially retired, choosing to spend his time "growing up with the grandchildren." Ed was a seasoned world traveler. He was passionate about live music and opera. He was as comfortable and dapper in black tie at the Opera as he was in seersucker shorts at an outdoor festival. His insatiable thirst for knowledge had him always searching for a new book or a new class. He relished sharing his knowledge when asked. Ed never met a stranger. As a friend shared: "Every time I saw Mr. Ed, I knew he would ask me how I was and what I was doing - and he truly wanted to know." Ed is survived by his wife Carol, his brother, Thomas J. Blasi, his sister, Agnes Blasi Lamendola (Dr. Joseph Lamendola); his two daughters, Candace Blasi Gary (David) of Baton Rouge, LA, Faith Blasi Krezalek (Martin) of Montclair, New Jersey; his son Joseph R. Blasi (Wendy) of Houston, Texas, and his grandchildren, Caroline & David Gary, Amanda & Ashley Krezalek, and Bella & Brando Blasi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. Blasi Jr. & Agnes (McGrath) Blasi and his brother, James (Jim) Blasi. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2 pm at Community Bible Church, 8354 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70809; open visitation precedes from 1 pm to 2 pm. The service will be live-streamed online at: youtube.com/516church. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ed may choose to donate in his name to the Louisiana Family Forum, The Family Research Council, or Caring to Love Ministries. Personal condolences may be mailed to: 5141 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
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What a beautiful legacy he leaves through his generous and loving family. He is greatly missed.
The Doremus Family
August 31, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Love, Stefanie & Randy Austin
Stefanie Austin
Family
March 26, 2021
Ed was just given this extra large cup full of love and strength that overflowed to all he came across. Of all the many times we met up over the years he was always the first to ask about my family. How we all were doing, how business was going, and so on. He truly cared to know. It's almost a bit funny in a way, because I often came away from those conversations feeling a bit of remorse like I stole the whole conversation and didn't inquire about all of the happenings in his own life. To this day, like father, like son, I often come away from a conversation with Joe with the same thought in hindsight. But the truth is, I think that's exactly the way Ed (and Joe) wanted these conversations to go. It's a remarkable trait really. He didn't care to speak about himself as much as he preferred to learn about the lives of others, showing his concerns for others, sharing in the joy of their triumphs and supplying a kind word of support or advice in the failures. That was the Ed I knew, and I can't think of him now or picture him in my mind without a literal feeling of warmth coming over me as I see him coming over with a big smile on his face to greet me.
Phillip Trueba
Friend
March 26, 2021
Ava, Emma, Kendra and Phillip
March 26, 2021
Knew Ed from our insurance industry professional associations. Great guy with a big heart. So sorry to hear of his passing, but I know he's with the Lord! Prayers for his family during this time of grieving.
Joe Goodson
Acquaintance
March 23, 2021
Ed was a kind and wonderful man who had a big impact in our lives. He set us on a path to financial provision when we were young missionaries with little money. His kindness to us and concern and interest in our ministry will always be treasured. His was a life well lived, and now he has received his eternal reward.
Brenda and Montie Pitts
Friend
March 22, 2021
I knew Ed from what was formerly known as Christian Life Fellowship church .
Am blessed to have acquainted with him.
I used to jest with him--nicknameing him 'doctor Blasi', because he impressed me as being a distinguished physician .
He was patient with my jesting .
My sympathy to his family .
Michael Dubroc
Friend
March 22, 2021
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