Deacon Sammy Diesi

Samuel “Sammy” Charles Diesi, age 74, a man whose life was a testament to his unwavering faith, dedication to community service, and commitment to family peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at his residence in Opelousas, surrounded by his loving family. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas.  The Celebrant will be Father Clint Trahan.  Concelebrants will be Father James Brady, Monsignor Russell Harrington,  Monsignor Curt Mallet (Vicar General) and Father Jared Suire (Vicar for Clergy).  A Rite of Committal and Burial will be held at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery in Opelousas, La.  Readers will be Rachel Diesi and Mary Elise Stari. The gift bearers will be Linda Cornette and Chandler Stari.  

Pallbearers will be Chris Diesi, Charles Diesi, Lance Diesi, Wells Cornette, Spencer Cornette, Eric Diesi, Brandon Diesi, and Ronnie Lashute.  Honorary pallbearers will be Eldon Cornette and his Friday golf buddies.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. A Rosary will be prayed by Deacon Dwayne Joubert on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Visitation will continue Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Sammy was born on May 1, 1950, in Opelousas Louisiana, to J.C. and Bernice Stelly Diesi. He grew in a Catholic family and his parents made sure he had a Catholic education.   He graduated from AIC in 1968 and then attended USL for a while, but then joined his father in the car business.   He worked for Diesi Motors for 40 years - from 1970 - 2010.  He was a member of the Louisiana Automobile Association and served for several years.   He also was a board member for the Greater Opelousas Chamber of Commerce in 1976, the United Way from 1999-2003 and a board member at American Bank from 2008-2024.  He also was on the first board of ICONS and its first treasurer.   Sammy was proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus and serve on the Parish Council of Our Lady Queen of Angels beginning in 1988.  He held many offices and belonged to many community organizations including the Jaycees, Sertoma and the Rotary Club.  In his spare time, Sammy coached little league (T-Ball) and Sertoma Football for many years.  

His faith and Catholic religion were very important to him.  He made his Cursillo in 1993 and worked the Cursillos as a Professor until 2006.  This had a very big impression on him, and his faith and he never looked back.  He taught Catechism at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church for many years.  It wasn't his plan to teach Catechism, but Father Cremaldi (his father figure) asked him to.  As his faith grew, he answered the call to the Permanent Diaconate.  After almost six years of study, he was ordained as a Permanent Deacon on September 9, 2006.  He married couples, baptized many babies (which was his favorite), visited the sick and brought communion to many through the years at Opelousas General and the homebound.  He prayed numerous Rosaries in local funeral homes for the deceased and buried many.  

Sammy taught RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) for St. Landry Parish Catholic Church and counseled many people when asked.  Sammy received the National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Graduate Award in 2012 for significant contributions to the community and his Catholic faith over his lifetime.  He was a good faithful servant who answered the call when asked.  He not only "talked the talk" but he "walked the walk".  

Sammy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Becky Faul Diesi; his son, Chris Diesi; his daughter, Rachel Diesi and her fiancé, Bobby Casanova; his brother, Charles Diesi and his wife, Myrna; his sister, Linda Diesi Cornette and her husband, Eldon; his grandchildren Mary Elise Stari and Chandler Stari.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Bernice Stelly Diesi; his in-laws, Lee and Beverly Faul; his brother, Cyril Diesi and his nephews, Peyton Cornette and Mark Capone, Jr.

Samuel “Sammy” Charles Diesi’s legacy of love, dedication to family, and selflessness will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.