Richard Samuel "Dickie" Zabbia

Richard Samuel “Dickie” Zabbia, formerly of Baton Rouge, died peacefully in Ponchatoula, after a brief battle with lung cancer on October 30, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on March 21, 1948, in Ponchatoula, LA, Dickie was a spry rascal throughout childhood and into adolescence. After coursework in engineering at Louisiana State University, Dickie worked for an engineering firm in Baton Rouge, but then later worked for Coastal Corrosion Control, Inc, where he loyally completed his professional career. As a rust specialist, his role took him to interesting locations from Las Vegas to Peru. Two of Dickie’s major professional achievements were overseeing a rusty pipeline under O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and inspecting vessels that participated in the America’s Cup regatta yacht race.

Dickie loved to cook; his signature dishes included catfish bread, smoked fish, and corn chowder. He enjoyed being on the water, fishing, and time with his family. His friends were very important to him, and he did not hesitate to travel for special occasions and holidays, specifically to Boston and St. Louis. He was a member of and rode with the Krewe of Bacchus for several years, imploring all to party with him.

Dickie was preceded in death by his parents, A.J. and Heloise (Gassen) Zabbia, and several beloved dogs (of note: Poochy). He is survived by his brothers, A.J. Zabbia, Jr. and Robert F. Zabbia (Kim), and niece Kate Frances Zabbia Stuart (JD). Dickie loved his grand-nieces (Maggie and Alice-Anne) and grand-nephew (Sam) so much that he quite literally financed each child’s first two years of diapers. He also shared his love of dogs by gifting the Stuart family with each of their two dogs (Ginger and the late Lucy).

Private services for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please honor Dickie with a nice glass of Dewar’s in the evening.