Louis G. Banfi
On July 21, 2022 of Glassboro. Age 84. Beloved husband of Celeste (nee Barbadoro). Devoted father of Mary Sawyer (Michael), Chris Archibald (Wayne), Barbara Unger (Paul), and Lois Vienna Linderman (Rodney). Loving grandfather of Michael (Carissa), Elaina, Christiana, Christine, Joel, Sarah, John, and Luke. Proud great-grandfather of Lilliana. Dear brother of William Lawrence (Bernadette), Mary “Cookie” Banfi, and the late Eugene Banfi (Cass). Loved by nieces and nephews.
Louis was born and raised in Philadelphia. He attended Southeast Catholic High School (graduated Bishop Newman High School 1956). There he excelled as the 1954 All-City Championship football team’s left defensive tackle (#43). As a teen, Louis also enjoyed playing baseball and was a 2nd place finalist in the city of Philadelphia for the shot put. Louis was a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Eagles and the Phillies, and he often took his four daughters and his mother to the games.
Louis met the love of his life, Celeste, at a high school dance. The first gift that he gave to Celeste was a 45 record of their song, “Walk Hand in Hand with Me”. They married on August 16, 1958 and were just shy of 64 years of marriage together. Louis and Celeste moved their family to Glassboro, New Jersey in 1969 and worked hard to build a beautiful life for their family. Louis worked as a longshoreman in Philadelphia. He said, the time that he spent on the docks working alongside his friend and brother-in-law, Dominic, were the best working years of his life. He also worked as security at the Sunoco refinery in Philadelphia before retiring.
Louis enjoyed reading the daily paper, scratch off lottery tickets, collecting sports memorabilia, and coins. Also watching war and western movies.
He was a loving and kind man who always brought laughter to his family with his dry sense of humor. He always found a way to lighten a moment with a perfectly timed sarcastic gesture or facial expression. Louis had a reserved personality but always made his words count. He was a man of integrity and of faith. Often attended Holy Hour in Adoration, as well as spend time praying the rosary. An example of love, generosity, courage, and faithfulness to his family and to the people around him. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation Friday 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM at Ss. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, 362 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 PM. Inurnment All Saints Cemetery, Newfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Louis’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”