Calogero "Carlos" Todaro

He was born in Alia, Sicily to Giuseppe and Virginia Guccione Todaro. He immigrated to America in 1958 but his Sicilian roots remained an important part of his life. Carlos was a dedicated employee for 24 years at A&P Grocery before opening Vieux Carre Wine & Spirits in the French Quarter with his brothers and cousins in 1986. Carlos was a charismatic local fixture in the French Quarter. He cherished the relationships he had with his customers over the years. In addition to his love of wine and travel, he also had a keen interest in Formula One auto racing. He was a lifelong devoted Catholic and a parishioner at St. Jerome Church in Kenner, Louisiana where he resided all of his married life.

Carlos was preceded in death by his loving wife of 30 years, Clara “Clarita” Galindo Todaro; parents, Giuseppe and Virginia Guccione Todaro; brother, Eligio “Elio” Todaro; nephews, Joseph Todaro, Biagio “Blaise” Todaro Jr., and Roger Wicksell; and his great nephew, Dominic Avella.

He is survived by his stepchildren, Fernando Valbuena (Susan), Gina Valbuena, Maria Valbuena – Bandy (the late Gregg) and Pilar Valbuena; a host of step grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Biagio “Blaise” Todaro, Sr. (Estelle) and Rosolino “Russell” Todaro (Johnie); his nieces and nephews, Virginia, Stephen, Maria, Timothy, Trinity, Rosolino “Lino”, and Giuseppe “JoJo”; and many other great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caretaker, Maria Hernandez and her family, for their loving support during his final years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Catholic Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 12 PM held in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard in New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. A graveside service will immediately follow at his family tomb in St. Louis #3 on Esplanade Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to Catholic Charities, 1000 Howard Ave Ste 200 New Orleans, LA 70113 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148 and saying a prayer for his soul.

To view and sign the family guestbook, visit lakelawnmetairie.com