Rev. Benjamin Piovan passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2014, at the age of 78.

A retired priest of Archdiocese of New Orleans, he continued his priestly life as a missionary priest in Saltillo, Mexico, at the time of his death. He is preceded in death by his parents Julius and Valentina Piovan and his brother Luigi.

He is survived by his sister, Assunta and her husband, nieces and nephews. A native of Padua, Italy, he came to the U.S.A. at the age of 17 as Brother Benny, a Salesian, finishing college at Seton College in New Jersey and at Xavier University in New Orleans.

He was ordained a priest in Padua, Italy, on March 23, 1964, and was incardinated in the Archdiocese of New Orleans on October 28, 1974.

From 1956 to 1974, Fr. Piovan taught at several high schools in Florida, New York and New Jersey. He also taught at Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero and St. John Prep in New Orleans.

Fr. Piovan served as assistant at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Kenner and St. Rita Parish in Harahan. His pastorate was at Ascension of Our Lord Church in LaPlace, where he was the founding pastor.

In addition to his pastoral assignments, he served in the Metropolitan Tribunal, was Chaplain at Jefferson Parish Prison, St. Charles Borromeo High School, St. Charles Catholic High School, Catholic Knights of America State Chaplain and was the Faithful Friar Chaplain of Archbishop Blenk Assembly 318, and Chaplain of Ascension of Our Lord Knights of Columbus Council 9623.

Father Piovan also served as the Dean of the St. John-St. Charles Deanery. He retired from active ministry on December 1, 2006, and retired to Saltillo, Mexico, where he was ministering to the impoverished people living near the San Miguel Mission.

A humble, gentle and faithful servant he will truly be missed. Friends and those touched by Fr. Benny are invited to the Rosary at 6:30 p.m., Wake Service 7 p.m. at Ascension of Our Lord 1900 Greenwood Dr. in LaPlace. Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 and 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Funeral Mass is at Noon Aug. 12. Interment is at St. John Memorial Gardens. Memorial Donations can be made to The Piovan Endowment or the Saltillo, MX mission c/o Ascension of Our Lord 799 Fairway Dr., LaPlace, LA 70068.

The funeral arrangements provided by Millet-Guidry Funeral Home in LaPlace.