Philip Charles Ciaccio

1927 - 2015

Philip Charles Ciaccio obituary, 1927-2015, New Orleans, LA

Philip Ciaccio Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 13, 2015.

Philip Charles Ciaccio, a retired appellate court judge, former City Council member, lawyer and avid tennis player, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 12, 2015. He was 88.





A New Orleans native, Judge Ciaccio graduated from St. Aloysius High School at the age of 15. He attended Tulane University and graduated with an undergraduate degree in 1947 and received his law degree in 1950. While in law school, he met and promptly fell in love with Mary Jane Bologna, his wife and soul-mate of 63 years.





Once he graduated from law school, he served during the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force as an officer in the JAG Corps. He and Mary Jane were married in 1952. The first of their ten children was born while he was serving in Morocco, North Africa.





Upon returning from North Africa, he hung up his shingle with two law partners. In 1958, he made his first run for the legislature, with his mother, grandmother and wife knocking on doors and handing out pamphlets. Despite at first being unsuccessful, he ran again in 1962 and won.





After being part of the Louisiana Legislature for four years, he successfully won a seat on the New Orleans City Council. He enjoyed 16 years of representing District “E”.





In 1982, he decided that he wanted to continue his public service, but in a different branch of the government. It was then that he fulfilled his calling by being elected judge for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. His analytical mind thrived in this position, and he approached each case with sensitivity and diligence. Even though he officially retired from the Fourth Circuit in 1998, he served as an ad hoc judge for many years, including on the First Circuit, Fourth Circuit and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeal and serving pro tempore on the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2010 for then Chief Justice Kitty Kimball.





In addition to public service, he was active in numerous charitable organizations. Most notably he served as a founding member and chairman of the first board of directors of Covenant House, New Orleans. During his tenure, he participated in the acquisition, construction and development of the current Covenant House facilities. He remained an active supporter of Covenant House during his lifetime.





While his political career consumed much of his time, he remained an active father to his ten children. He encouraged both their academic and spiritual development, and took great pride in the fact that all of his children obtained undergraduate and advanced degrees. His love for his wife and children was limitless. Though he had a large family of his own, his love, devotion and counsel was unselfishly given to his extended family, including nieces, nephews and friends.





The most tragic event of his life was the untimely death of his beloved son, Christopher, in 1990. Christopher was 27 years old and in the midst of pursuing his Master in Computer Science from Tulane University. The death of Christopher forever changed his life but never rocked his deep faith.





Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane Bologna; nine children, Kathleen Giler (Paul); Charles (Judee); Philip, Jr. (Mary Beth); Maureen Anderson (Marc); Maria Schneider; Charleen Schreiner (George); Gregory (Anna Lisa); Michael (Nicole); and Suzanne Graffeo (Charlie); 29 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.





Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, November 16, 2015 at 1:00 PM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will be held at church from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Covenant House of New Orleans, LA at www.covenanthouse.org/Donate. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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November 7, 2023

Family

George Franco

Always thinking about my uncle who was a father to me. Miss his positive influence on my life!!
George Franco 11-07-2023

November 20, 2015

Tessie Prevost

My condolences go out the Ciaccio family. I was a resident of the lower 9th ward when Mr. Ciaccio was our representative on the City Council. Mr. Ciaccio served our community with dignity and compassion. Whenever he was called upon concerning a problem he was ALWAYS there to help. The last time I saw him was the church I attend Branch Bell Baptist on St. Maurice Ave. at Mrs. Luke's funeral. He was still the same as I remembered in as a little girl. My prays go out to you and know that the comfort of the Holy Spirit will truly ease the hurt and emptiness you are experiencing at this time. May the Lord bless you.

November 18, 2015

dorothy krasnoff

My DEAR MARY JANE & FAMILY, PHILIP WAS AND WILL REMAIN ONE OF MY DEAREST FRIENDS . HE ALWAYS HAD TIME FOR OTHER PEOPLE AND PUT HIS PERSONAL PROBLEMS TO THE BACK SEAT. IF YOU NEEDED HIM HE WAS WITH YOU AND EVERYTHING ELSE HAD TO WAIT. HOW WELL YOU AS HIS WIFE WAITED FOR HIM WHILE HE HELPED THE NEEDY. ALL OF THE BIG EASY WILL NEVER FORGET HIS KINDNESS & PATIENTS. THIS IS FROM ME & SANDY. DOTTY KRASNOFF

November 18, 2015

PHILIP CIACCIO AND FAMILY, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Jeremiah 29:11,12. Marguerite Hyde Toledo,

November 17, 2015

Frank Bologna

To Mary Jane and your family: My deepest sympathy over Philip's passing. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My apology for not being able to travel to the service.
Frank Bologna

November 17, 2015

Jimmy Nelson

Look out Heaven--- Here Comes the JUDGE. Thanks for all you did for Tennis and the City of New Orleans.

November 17, 2015

Judge James L. Dennis

With deepest sympathy.

November 17, 2015

Conny Willems

I worked with Judge Ciaccio when he was a city councilman and later when he was a judge. He was always a gentlemen and very respectful. He was a savvy councilman and a smart judge who wrote excellent opinions.
He influenced my life positively when I was a young lawyer and I will remember him fondly.

Best wishes to the family and my deepest condolences.

November 17, 2015

Debra W.

i'm sorry to hear about judge Ciaccio death.when judge Ciaccio came into young's drycleaners w/his laundry what a pleasant & wonderful personality he displayed.my prayers are with his family.

November 17, 2015

Erin Dixon

I worked with Judge Ciaccio in outpatient physical therapy at Touro. He was always a joy to work with. He will definitely be missed by all!

November 16, 2015

Wes Bolles

Philip and Maria, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing.

November 16, 2015

With my deepest sympathy to Ms. Mary Jane and family. Judge Ciaccio was one of the most genuine,compassionate,and unselfish person I came to know. I enjoyed good conversation with him over past 15 years while cutting his hair at Impact Hair Design. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Karen Sosa

November 16, 2015

Ronnie and Marion Britsch

We were so sorry to hear about Judge Ciaccio. Ronnie and Marion Britsch

November 16, 2015

Bob & Marilyn Lobrano

To our dear friends, the Ciaccio Family, we express our deepest sympathies. Phil was a good friend and mentor; and we believe in what we say we believe in. I know he will be terribly missed. He will be forever in our prayers.

November 16, 2015

Stephen Barry

Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Ms. Mary Jane and the entire Ciaccio family. The Judge was a respected jurist, gentleman, and wonderful neighbor. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
-Stephen and Daphne Barry

November 16, 2015

To the Ciaccio family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at the loss of Mr PC. May the Lord comfort you with the knowledge that Mr PC had impact on all of us that grew up with your family.

David and Bobbielynn Sommers

November 16, 2015

Mariann Crapanzano

Kathy, Charleen, and Suzanne,

I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Judge Ciaccio was a warm, sensitive, and kind man who had a heart for others. It was my great privilege to work at the court during the years he was on the bench, and I will never forget him. He was a great mentor who led from the front, teaching by example. He worked hard and always had an open door for any of us who might seek his advice. Judge Ciaccio's love for his family was palpable, and his faith was steadfast. We are all the better for his having lived. Know that you, your mom, and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

November 16, 2015

Kreig White

November 16, 2015

Maria and Kevin Marks

Our prayers are with the Ciaccios. The Judge's gentle spirit and essential goodness live on in his family.

November 16, 2015

Marilyn Mitchell-Kruebbe

The family of Phyllis Mitchell and the late John Mitchell (neighbors in Pines Village) sincerely send our heartfelt sympathy to the Ciaccio family. We will always remember what a kind and sweet man Mr. Phil was. He always had a smile and a kind word. May he rest in peace.

November 16, 2015

Terri Trog Ford

What a kind and wonderful man. He will be missed by so many.

November 16, 2015

Tommy and Esther d'Aquin

The World has lost one of the great ones and in this day in time is a great loss! Judge I as referred in numerous tennis lessons. The way he had a devotion to tennis technique , racquet and strings was amazed that had found my equal. My 6 hour tennis lesson with him on Christmas Eve is talked about to this day!My sympathies to all the family who are as wonderful to everyone as Judge!

Tommy and Esther d'Aquin

November 16, 2015

Doug Miele

So sorry to hear of your family's loss. Our thoughts are with you. Doug and Donna Miele

November 16, 2015

Clancy DuBos

The entire DuBos Family sends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the Ciaccio Family. We all remember the Judge as a kind, compassionate man and a dedicated public servant who exemplified the life of a good Catholic man. We will keep him and you in our prayers.

November 16, 2015

Joan Benge

Sending my deepest sympathies to the entire Ciaccio family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

November 16, 2015

Kenny Spellman

On behalf of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association and Brother Martin High School, I offer our prayers and condolences. The Brothers will say a Mass in his memory.

November 16, 2015

Vickie Dufrene

Phillip, So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Prays to you and the entire Ciaccio family.

November 15, 2015

JoAnn Veal

To Kathy and the Cisco family, sorry for your loss. Keeping you and family in prayers.

November 15, 2015

chanelle cosumano

Philip was one of the greatest men that I have ever had the privilege and honor to know, to be loved by and to be called his daughter. My amazing girls were lucky enough to call him PaPa. He was my Father in Law (but really just Dad) for nearly 25 years I had in my life for 36 years since I was 15.
Dad changed my life and unknowingly at the time shaped me forever in the woman that I am today. He open my eyes to the plight of others, taught me true unconditional love, the importance of faith and God in your daily life and marriage, forgiveness when most don't forgive, committment and grace.
Philip Ciaccio, Sr. was a true and faithful servant of God. An exemplary example of a husband, father, grandfather and human being. All loved him, countless people over the years he helped and loved.
He gave tirelessly, selflessly and quietly to his family, friends, community and church. He always had open arms for all, a warm heart, a warm home to take refuge in and a big hug for all.
This world will not be the same place without him.
I was proud that he called me daughter! He was an outstanding Grandfather to my girls who taught them and gave them so much, even in the end as they were with him.... he was still teaching them about true love, loyalty and faith.

Our deepest sympathy to Mary Jane and family
LTG (r) and Mrs. Joseph Cosumano

November 15, 2015

Dianne Bologna Boland

Aunt MaryJane, Kathy, Charlie, Philip, Maureen, Maria, Charleen, Greg, Michael and Suzie,
Not only do I want to share my love and sympathy at this time, I want to share with you my deep feelings of appreciation for sharing your wonderful husband and father with me throughout all the days of my life. He was always there for me, no matter what the circumstance. He guided me through many low periods of my life. I thank God every day for having had the wonderful privilege to call him my Uncle! Rest In Peace, now Uncle Philip. I love you.

November 15, 2015

Eileen Boudoin

Cousin Philip was such a blessing to the whole Clesi clan. He will be remembered for his love of family and for his generous caring of those in need. We worked with him at Covenant House to fund the Christopher Ciaccio Center, and will always remember the good times. Mary Jane my prayers are with you and your family, Eileen Clesi Boudoin.

November 15, 2015

richard najolia

we share in the lost of Philip with Mary Jane and Philip's children and grandchildren. Philip was a great friend and he will be missed.

Dick & Judy Najolia

November 15, 2015

Our prayers are for your wonderful family and our memories are of one of the most sweet, caring and generous men we have ever known. Philip made his mark on so many of us and we will never forget the times he was part of our lives. We love you all.
Beth and Joe Gendusa

November 15, 2015

Jacquelyn Schneider

To the Ciaccio family, with deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one.

November 15, 2015

Susan Weaver

Deepest sympathy from Margaret Dugas Landry

November 15, 2015

Susan Weaver

With deepest sympathy from Madeline & Van Weaver & family.

November 15, 2015

Mary Evans

Our condolences to Mary Jane and family, uncle Philip was loved by all.

November 15, 2015

Cathy Bagnell

To the Ciaccio Family, I an so sorry for the loss of Phillip. He was a wonderful, loving man with the biggest heart.

November 15, 2015

Cathy Bagnell

November 15, 2015

Philip,God speed.Mary Jane&Fmly my heart felt sympathy. Ronnie Campagna.

November 15, 2015

Lynda Lyons Kirsch

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Ciaccio family. Growing up in "Spring Lake" being next door neighbors was a highlight in my life. My deepest sympathy!

November 15, 2015

Debbie and Gus Stansbury

Mike, so sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close and your Dad will forever be in your heart. May he rest in peace.

November 15, 2015

MaryLou Christovich

Mary Jane, you and Philip enjoyed one more year than Chris and I had, and in a year or two you will cherish the memory of every month that you were together, even though the last ones were difficult. Throughout the sixty-five years we have known each other, our love of family, city, and national responsibilities has filled our busy lives. You and Philip were an outstanding team, and I send you my love and deepest affection. Mary Lou Christovich

November 15, 2015

Carol Ann Serio.and family

With deepest sympathy , your family is in our prayers.

November 15, 2015

June (Rene) Duffour

My deepest Sympathy to Mary Jane and family. Another Great man has left us. Our family relationship with the Ciaccio family relates back many years. We will always remember his kindness, helpful and Loving times spent with him and family. God Bless you Philip as you enter your Kingdom in Heaven. Thank you for the many fond memories spent with you and family. Rest in Peace..

November 15, 2015

Although mere words cannot describe Judge Ciaccio fully , "Prince" is how I saw him. I had the pleasure of working for him on the City Council when I was a new attorney. I learned soo much from him, and he didn't even try-- it came naturally! His demeanor stood out amongst the avid politicians. He was always calm, decisive and honest. A wonderful role-model. Proud and fortunate to have had the gift of his service. "Mr. Cha Cha" was a fresh, bright light wherever he served. He gave his all. Thank you, Judge, for the friendship. Rest in Peace, you earned your entry into Heaven. God Bless and keep.

November 14, 2015

Mary Deeley

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all the family. May you find joy in the memories of a life well-lived and well loved.
Mary deeley and Dan lum

November 14, 2015

Dinah Thomas Nelson

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Philip Ciaccio. Just yesterday morning I shared a memory I had of him with a friend. Mr. Ciaccio introduced me to tennis. As a youngster I lived in East New Orleans. Word had gotten around that there was a man who would teach kids about tennis at the Digby Playground on Saturday morning. He was not afiliated with NORD. We did not have to register, all we had to do was show up. He taught us for FREE. His kindness and gift of time has been remembered by me for about 50 years!!! I have never forgotten his name and what he gave to me!!! Thank you Mr. Ciaccio!!

November 14, 2015

Michelle Midkiff

To Mrs Mary and family,
May you have joy, during this difficult time, with the knowledge that your husband / father is now enjoying the Glory of God.

Love, Peace, and Blessings from the Midkiff family,

Donnie, Michelle, Donald, Julie, Kyle and Kathryn

November 14, 2015

Al & Peggy Perry

Phil:
Our heartfelt condolences to you and the members of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

November 14, 2015

I will always cherish the love, respect, and guidance that my Uncle gave to me. I loved him as a father and will miss him dearly. My childhood was greatly influenced by this once in a lifetime person who loved me like his own son. I love you Unc and thanks for the memories! May you rest in peace.
Your nephew Bustie

November 13, 2015

Janelle Jensen Lee

Sending my deepest sympathies to you Maureen, Maria, Mary Beth and your whole family on this great loss. Though the hole in your heart will never completely fill, your memories will get you through. You will hear his advice when you need it, you'll see. But most of all, stay close and love each other like he would have wanted. Bless you all.

November 13, 2015

Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)

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