Birth date: Jan 12, 1970 Death date: Jul 6, 2026
Craig Steven LaFontaine, age 56, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 12, 1970, in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Ochsner Baptist Hospital, where he would la Read Obituary
I met Craig during the brief time he worked at Tulane University in the Office of Grants and Contracts. At the time, he was a physical fitness enthusiast so he, a couple of guys in our office and I would meet regularly at the gym to work out. Not only did we work hard at those sessions - mostly under Craig’s guidance - but we laughed hard too. Craig was one of the funniest people I knew. He had the gift of a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor with perfectly aimed jokes and zingers. If you were having a bad day, you could hang out with Craig and you were sure to laugh your way out of it.
Craig had a passion for fireworks and a talent for pyrotechnics. Every New Year’s Eve he would put together a fireworks display at his brother Eddie’s house on the north shore that would take him weeks to plan. On the day of the event, I’d sometimes help him set up his show which he would meticulously and patiently set out and organize for maximum effect. At around midnight, all the neighbors and fireworks lovers would gather to watch Craig’s annual fireworks spectacular. He would never let them down! It was amazing to watch him paint the sky with an explosion of glittering colors until the dazzling grand finale. When it came to pyrotechnics, Craig was a true artist.
Although I was shocked and saddened to hear of Craig's passing, I take comfort in knowing he spent his last years in a career he loved and with a loving family whom he adored.
