Anthony Lala, a longtime associate professor of English, died Friday, April 4.

Lala received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola in 1954, following up with a master’s degree from Tulane in 1958. Later that same year, Lala began teaching English at Loyola. In 1962 he started working toward his doctorate at Loyola University of Chicago. Once he completed his thesis in 1969, he resumed teaching in New Orleans.

He taught at the Manchester Polytechnic in England from 1976-1977 and spent his sabbatical year from 1986-1987 in Italy.

Lala’s teaching specialized in Shakespeare and modern American and modern European drama.

“He had a really impressive knowledge of Shakespeare,” English literature senior Danielle Smith said. “He taught plenty of minute details that you wouldn’t expect to learn.”

“Lala was a landmark at this school,” English literature senior Anna Malley said. “He was such a sweet man who had such a love for Shakespeare. It didn’t matter if you had him for comedies or tragedies, he made a classroom full of delight.”

His niece will plan the funeral arrangements and the service will take place at the Jacob Schoen Funeral Home at 3827 Canal St.

Visitation will begin April 12 at 10 a.m. and a mass will immediately follow at noon.

The burial will take place at Metairie Cemetery.

Rachel Funel can be reached at [email protected].