Ronald Peter Cressy Sr.

Ronald Peter Cressy Sr., age 90, of Lacombe, LA passed away on Wednesday March 9, 2022. He was born on February 12, 1932 in New Orleans, LA to Louis Villere Cressy Sr. and Nellie Marie (Sarrat) Cressy.

Ronald is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Cressy; his children Jeanne Pedigo (Doug), Adele Cressy, Ronald Peter Cressy Jr., Charles Cressy, and their mother Adele Queyrouze Cressy; stepchildren Stephen Smith (Tracey) and David Smith; grandchildren Lauren Mayo (Patrick), Erin Pedigo, Austin Pedigo, and Avery Dolese, and great grandchildren Audrey, Lily, William, and Vivian. He is also survived by his siblings, Gwendolyn Crane, David Cressy Sr., and Susan Englehart.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Villere Cressy Sr. and Nellie Marie Sarrat Cressy and his brother, Louis Villere Cressy Jr.

Ronald graduated from Jesuit High School in 1948. Upon earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tulane University in 1952, Ronnie joined the US Army Transportation Corps where he served as First Lieutenant and Railway Bridge and Building Supervisor until 1954. When he returned from Korea, Ronald reenlisted in the US Army Reserve and served as a Captain until June of 1964.

Ronald’s career as a Civil Engineer spanned nearly seven decades. He worked for several respected engineering firms, including Waldemar Nelson, before opening his own practice in 1975. He designed and managed hundreds of commercial and residential projects including major infrastructure like railroads, water distribution and disposal systems, bridges and roadways, and ferry landings. He also designed and oversaw the construction of the August Perez Belle Chasse Bridge.

Ronald was a Life Member of the Louisiana Engineering Society and retired at the age of 89 in 2021. He also served as Past President of the New Orleans Chapter of the Louisiana Engineering Society and Past State Chairman of the Professional Engineers in Private Practice Functional Section of the Louisiana Engineering Society.

Known as “Ronnie” to family and friends, he was an avid outdoorsman and loved to explore. He enjoyed outdoor activities of all kinds, including hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and as he would have said, “any other -ing” he could think of. He loved working with young people, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, and many others; and was beloved by the young people in his family. He was a natural teacher with an uncanny memory and a playful love of words. We will all miss his humor, his authenticity, and the joy it was to know him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433 on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM with visitation on Monday beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow the services in Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, LA 70460.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ronald may be made to St. Joseph’s Abbey. Donations may be either mailed to 75376 River Rd, St Benedict, LA 70457, or can be made at https://www.saintjosephabbey.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gracenorthshore.com for the Cressy family.