Louis Alberto Garrido

In Loving Memory of Louis Alberto Garrido

July 24, 1924 – June 18, 2025

Louis Alberto Garrido, a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Sovereign Lord at the age of 100. Surrounded by his loving family, he was ushered into his eternal home on the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Born on July 24, 1924, in El Carmen de Bolívar, Colombia, Louis's early life was marked by resilience. While studying at university in Bogotá, civil unrest forced his family to flee their hometown and begin anew in Barranquilla. In time, God opened a door for him to pursue higher education in the United States. He relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and earned his degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from Louisiana State University in 1957.

Louis dedicated over three decades to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, retiring as Chief Bridge Design Engineer in 1989. His career continued for another five years in Tampa, Florida, where he managed operations for the international firm Parsons Brinckerhoff. Known for his innovative approaches to bridge design, his expertise in steel and concrete was foundational to several major projects. Among his most notable achievements was leading the design and specifications for the Luling-Destrehan cable-stayed bridge across the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish—one of the longest bridges of its kind in the world.

A man of integrity, humility, and grace, Louis was known for his quiet strength, sharp mind, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was gentle yet disciplined, reserved yet warm, with a deep well of wisdom and a joyous laugh that lit up a room. He cherished time with family, was a faithful member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for over 50 years, and delighted in storytelling, salsa dancing, traveling, and cheering on LSU football. His well-kept yard and joyful spirit were testaments to his meticulous and spirited nature.

Louis is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Gloria Angelina Ibarra; his son, Luis Garrido; daughter, Angelina (Bobby) Marretta-Hamilton; two grandchildren, Blake (Naomi) Marretta and Olivia (Brendan) Jones; and six cherished great-grandchildren: Paul, Eva, Beatrice, and Elizabeth Marretta, Liam Jones, and a "Soon-to-be-Born" Great-granddaughter Jones. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adriano Garrido and Maria Yepes Garrido; brothers, Adrianito and Rafael Garrido; and sisters, Carolina Garrido and Ruth Garrido Martinez.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the St. George Fire Department, EMS, and the Baton Rouge General Hospital’s ER, ICU, and 6th Floor Palliative Care Unit( PCU) for their dedicated and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A Memorial Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m., with inurnment immediately afterward at the Garden of Peace Columbarium. An informal reception will follow at 19446 Southern Hills Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA.

Louis Alberto Garrido’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, perseverance, and love. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the bridges—both literal and metaphorical—that he built.