Alexander "Coach Lou" Pitalo

Alexander "Coach Lou" Mike Pitalo passed away peacefully to be with his loving Lord and Savior on Friday, October 9, 2026 leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, service, leadership, and devotion to family.

Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on May 6, 1925, Coach Lou was a proud combat veteran of World War II. Entering the service at just 17 years old, he served aboard the USS Cepheus (AKA-18) and bravely piloted landing craft carrying Marines and heavy machinery during the invasion of Okinawa on Easter Sunday, 1945.

Following his military service, he attended Perkinston Junior College in Mississippi, where he helped lead the football team to a national junior college championship. He continued his collegiate football career at LSU, playing on the celebrated 1949 and 1950 "Cinderella" teams.

After graduating from LSU, Coach Lou dedicated his life to education and athletics. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Lutcher High School before becoming the head coach at Westdale Junior High in Baton Rouge. In 1961, when Broadmoor High School opened its doors, he was named its very first head football coach, later continuing to guide and mentor students as assistant principal. Prior to his retirement in 1972, he founded Lou Pitalo’s Trophy & Sporting Goods (later AA Sporting Goods) in Baton Rouge, remaining a cornerstone of the local athletic community for decades.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers, Steve, Johnny, Peter, and Mark Pitalo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Julie Pitalo, who stood faithfully by his side through thick and thin; his two sons, Darrell Michael Pitalo, and Randal (Rawndy Gibson) Joseph Pitalo; his stepsons, Bill Lizana and Chuck Lizana; his grandchildren, Anthony (Lindsey) Joseph Pitalo, and Brittany (Brandon) Pitalo Boyd; along with many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his loving nieces and nephew, Judy Pitalo, Johnny Pitalo, and Becky, with deep gratitude for all the love and support they gave him throughout the years.

The family extends a very special thanks to Denise Cuevas for her devoted care, love, and assistance to Lou over the past eight to nine years. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to Angel Oaks, especially Cathy Latona and Stephanie, for their compassionate care and kindness over this past year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Coach Lou's honor to the Slavonian Benevolent Association (Slavonian Lodge) in Biloxi, Mississippi.

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Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Alex "Coach Lou" Pitalo.