Samuel A. Scarnato, former Deputy Superintendant of New Orleans Public Schools, passed away peacefully in his home February 16, 2015. He was 85 years old. A first generation Italian-American, he was the oldest son of Philomena and Serafino Scarnato. Beloved husband of Nancy Ryan Scarnato. Devoted father to Elizabeth Miller (John) McCusker), David Scarnato (Julia) Susan Wishlinski (D.C. Peterson), Juliann Fangue (David), and Joni Korbock (Eric). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 1 brother and 4 sisters.
He was raised in Butler, Pennsylvania and graduated from Butler High School. Before choosing a career in education, Scarnato chased his dream of playing baseball. A gifted athlete, he made it to the minor league farm team, the Butler Yankees. He then turned his ambition toward coaching which combined his love for sports, children and his natural ability to lead.
Dr. Scarnato was a graduate of Slippery Rock State College and received his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburg. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration at the University of Michigan. He met his wife, Nancy, who supported and shared in his life’s work, while working in Jackson, Michigan. They were married in 1958.
Scarnato was working as an Acting Superintendent in Wilmington, Delaware, when Dr. Gene Giesert created the Deputy Superintendent position to lure Scarnato to New Orleans. Dr. Scarnato arrived in New Orleans in 1972 and immediately began work on staff desegregation. Other accomplishments during his tenure include the Energy Conservation Program, expansion of Special Education Services, Asbestos Investigation and helping to found the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
In 1983, Scarnato left New Orleans to become Superintendent of the St. Louis Special School District. There he was instrumental in restoring public confidence and integrity to a system in turmoil and with fiscal deficits. He returned to New Orleans as Chief Executive Officer and retired from that position in 1991. Upon his return he worked to establish the Louisiana Association of School Executives and assisted the Teacher Retirement System of Louisiana in negotiating benefits. In retirement he helped establish the Louisiana Executive Service Corp to help assist and train future leaders in the charter schools.
Sam was a devout Catholic and recipient of the Saint Louis Medallion from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and enjoyed serving his community in many capacities.
Mass will be held 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Visitation to begin at 10:00 am February 23, 2015. Cremation will follow with interment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 6201 Stratford Place, New Orleans, La., 70131.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 4, 2021
CARMEL CORBIT
Dearest Beth, May God bless you and your family. Always loved your Dad's smile. Carmel
March 11, 2015
Carolyn Patrick Serfass
I'm giving thanks for the wonderful Mr. Scarnato who was only at Harrington School in Jackson, MI for one year but made quite an impression! Love the photo gallery of pix from his rich life. So glad,Nancy, that you both joined our 43rd 6th grade reunion a few years ago.
March 10, 2015
Alan Guma
I am saddened to learn the news of Sam Scarnato's passing. He was a tireless worker, a wonderful administrator, and always a pleasure to be with. He did much during the Geisert era to improve the quality of schools in New Orleans, and he was widely respected by principals in the system. My condolences to his family.
March 3, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy to all the family of Sam Scarnato, he was one of the best teachers we ever had at West Sunbury School, he was my gym teacher and he made everyone feel special.my love and prayers to all his family. Alice(Hoover}Stamm
March 2, 2015
Jane Clouse-Allen
My deepest sympathies to the family of Sam Scarnato. He was a great teacher and coach at West Sunbury High School. He did a lot for the kids there. He took us to the Pirates games for the afternoon home games as part of the Knothole Club. He was ahead of his time. Always forward thinking. He was a kind man. He will be sorely missed.
February 28, 2015
Debbie Rutherford
So sorry to hear about Mr. Sam. He was always a pleasure to see when I used to delivery the mail in Park Timbers. I remember playing w/Julie & Joni as kids at the old house on Oxford. Mr. Sam will be greatly missed. You all are in my prayers & thoughts.
February 28, 2015
Nancy Picard
I remember when I was appointed by the New Orleans School Board as a new principal. Dr. Scarnato shook my hand, congratulated me, and instructed me to come to his office the next day bearing the school's financial records. Although he frightened me at first, I realized he was trying to help me, and he was really kind and supportive. I remember him fondly. You have my sympathy.
February 24, 2015
Laura Smith
I will always remember Dr. Scarnato fondly. He was one of Dad's (Dr. Gaut) best buds and I know my whole family will miss him. We will keep you in our prayers. Blessings,
February 23, 2015
Richard Moore
Rest in peace, my friend.
February 22, 2015
Bill Bernard
My mother called me tonight to let me know of Dr. Scarnatos passing. I remember 1972 when a family with a bunch of kids and a son my age moved into the neighborhood. It was wonderful times. I also fondly remember the year he helped coach our PAC baseball team so David, Robert Heindel, and myself could all play on the same team. With warm memories of him, come my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I will pray for him and for your family that God may provide you the comfort that only he can give.
February 22, 2015
Louise Arnoult Olsen
Deepest sympathy to each of you. I have fond memories of Dr. Scenario as a man of integrity who lived his beliefs as a parent, a professional,and an individual. My prayers are with each of you.
February 21, 2015
Phyllis Richard
Julie,
As you mourn the passing of your dad, I pray that you and your family find comfort in celebrating a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Phyllis Richard
February 21, 2015
Peggy Watson
My sympathy is extended to the family of Dr. Scarnato. I remember him from my time of employment with the Orleans Parish School Board. May you find comfort in your memories.
February 21, 2015
Carol Allen
Thoughts and sympathy to the Scarnato family. He was one of my bosses from 1980 - 1984 and was a terrific boss and role model. Sam was direct, no nonsense, and fair. Always had a twinkle in his eye. I respected him as a boss and and genuinely LIKED him as a human being. Blessings to all of you. Carol Allen
February 20, 2015
Brenda Garibaldi Hatfield
Deepest sympathy to the Scarnato family. Dr. Scarnato was an outstanding mentor when I worked as an administrator in the New Orleans Public School District. He made a significant difference for students and staff. RIP dear Sam.
Sincerely,
Brenda Garibaldi Hatfield,PhD
February 20, 2015
Marilyn Gendusa Ciolino
My deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
February 20, 2015
Jima and Elena White
To the Scarnato Family,
Our deepest sympathy, but knowing the great faith Sam had we know he went back home to be with his Lord... we are only on this earth on barrowed time.
May all his love and wonderful memories that he left comfort you. He will be missed.
February 20, 2015
Jeff Sadler
My cousin Sam will certainly be missed. A fountain of knowledge, a great family man and the best unofficial tour guide in New Orleans left his positive stamp on the world. He will be in our hearts forever.
February 19, 2015
JOSEPH MACALUSO
To Sam Scarnato Family:
My sincere condolences on the death of Sam. I worked with him years ago in the Orleans Parish School System. My prayers are with all of the family.
Sincerely, Dr. Joe Macaluso, SR.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Funeral services provided by:
Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more