In Memory of Dr. Robert J. Scafidel

It is with much sorrow that we announce the death of Robert J. Scafidel, Ed.D. Dr. Scafidel was the Executive Director for the St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District from 1998 to 2017. As Executive Director, he achieved his goals of renovating docks, developing riverfront property, and improving the economic conditions in St. Bernard Parish by creating jobs. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. We are grateful for his contribution to the St. Bernard Port and the maritime community.

Dr. Robert J. Scafidel passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021. He was 75 years old. Robert was the devoted husband of 57 years to his high school sweetheart Phylis Chuter Scafidel; loving father of Robert Scafidel, Jr. (Carolyn) and Ryan Scafidel (Amy); proud grandfather of Ross, Rebecca, Elodie and Elise Scafidel. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Rita Levy Scafidel Cavet and Kelly Scafidel. He also leaves behind his sister Carol Scafidel Hill (Charles); brother-in-law Romy Berel III (Denise) and many other relatives and dear friends.

"Bobby" was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1946. He graduated from Chalmette High School in 1967. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Northeast Louisiana State College in 1968; a Master of Education Degree from Loyola University in 1972; and a Doctor of Education Degree from the University of New Orleans in 1982. In 2009, Bobby was inducted into the St. Bernard Sports Hall of Fame for his impressive football and baseball career at Chalmette High School, and Northeast Louisiana State College. Bobby was All-Prep in Baseball at Chalmette High. He was also 1st team fullback Gulf States Conference 1966 & 1967 at Northeast Louisiana State College.

He was a longtime, proud resident of St. Bernard Parish, and devoted his life to growing and improving the community of St. Bernard. Throughout his varied and illustrious career, Bobby proved time and again that giving back to his community was his heartbeat and driving force.

Bobby began his career in the St. Bernard Parish School System, where he served as a teacher, coach, and administrator for nearly 15 years. In 1992, he helped facilitate the merger of St. Bernard Community College and Elaine P. Nunez Technical Institute into what is now known as Nunez Community College, the only provider of higher education in St. Bernard Parish. During his time at Nunez, he served as the Director of Business Services, Vice President of Student Affairs, Chief Student Personnel Officer, and was a current member of the Nunez Community College Foundation Board.

In June of 1998, he was appointed Executive Director of the St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal District. Bobby succeeded in renovating the docks, developing the riverfront property, and improving the economic conditions in St. Bernard by creating stable, well-paying jobs. Under his tenure, the port doubled in both infrastructure and revenue, and is currently one of the largest providers of jobs in St. Bernard Parish.

Bobby was a member of the American Association of Port Authorities, the Louisiana Board of International Commerce, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advisory Committee, the Mississippi River Coalition Initiative Board of Directors, the Department of Transportation and Development Intermodal Planning Committee, the Senate Task Force on Global Trade-Based Economic Development Strategies, and the Metro Advisory Committee for the United Way, as well as many other groups and organizations.

Bobby was also co-owner and founder of Metro Physical Therapy and Micro Instructional Systems. In addition, for 47 years he put smiles on faces of hundreds of children every summer while crafting memories that would last a lifetime as owner and director of Camp Old Hickory.

Outside of his professional life, Bobby was a devout Catholic and a proud Man of Manresa. He was member of the Krewe of Thoth. He was a season ticket holder to both the Saints and the Pelicans. Bobby also has traveled extensively throughout US and the world. He combined his love of sports and travel by attending Major League Baseball games and NFL Football games in whatever city possible. He even attended the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal, Canada and the 1996 Olympics Games in Atlanta. He was especially fond of traveling to Italy and enjoyed studying Italian with the Daughters of Divine Providence.

Bobby cherished his family above all. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. VIRTUE STREET, in Chalmette, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. A funeral mass will be held in his memory at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.