Steve Circello, Jr.

Steve Circello, Jr., a beloved educator and devoted family man, passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 66 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born on September 9, 1957, in Melville, Louisiana, Steve dedicated his life to teaching and inspiring students throughout his career.

Visitation services for Steve will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Melville, Louisiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church. Steve will be laid to rest at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Melville, Louisiana. 

As a former instructor at YCP, Steve devoted himself to his students for decades, impacting countless lives with his knowledge, guidance, and unwavering support. His commitment to education was matched only by his dedication to his family and faith.

As a teenager, Steve worked at Cannatella’s Grocery in Melville for many years. He grew to love the Cannatella family and stayed close with them throughout his life. When he retired from YCP in 2020, he began working at Cannatella’s Grocery in Baton Rouge.

Steve graduated with a bachelor's degree in science from Louisiana State University, where he fostered a love for learning that would not only shape his career but also ignite a passion for history that filled his home with countless books across a variety of subjects. His keen intellect made him a history buff, often engaging in discussions that spanned topics from the everyday to the profound.

A devout Catholic, Steve's faith was a cornerstone of his life, passed down from his mother. After retirement, he faithfully attended daily mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA, underscoring the depth of his spirituality. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was listening to a Saints or LSU game on the radio or going out to eat, trying new restaurants. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, his sons, and niece.

Steve is survived by his wife, Deborah W. Circello of Baton Rouge; his sons, Troy Heil and wife, Victoria of Baton Rouge; and Cameron Heil of Memphis, TN; and his niece, Rachel Massey of Brandon, MS.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Steve Circello, Sr. and Myrtle Ray Circello; and brother, Carlo W. Circello.

Despite his passing, Steve will live on in our hearts and minds eternally. We'll always remember his wry smile just before he'd made a dry joke. His sense of humor kept us all entertained even when time were tough. 

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Melville is in charge of arrangements, 607 1st St, Melville, LA 71353, 337-942-2638.