When you listen to comedian Theo Von tell his funny stories, you might wonder about the people who shaped his life. One of the most interesting figures in his story is his father, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. This man lived an amazing life that spanned nearly a century and crossed two continents.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Roland Theodor Achilles von Kurnatowski Sr. |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | November 29, 1912 |
| Birth Place | Bluefields, Nicaragua |
| Death Date | August 18, 1996 |
| Age at Death | 83 years old |
| Nationality | Nicaraguan-American |
| Heritage | Polish, German, Nicaraguan |
| Occupation | Mahogany farmer, businessman |
| Famous For | Being Theo Von’s father |
| Age When Theo Was Born | 68-70 years old |
| Spouse | Gina Capitani (and previously Ruth Joan Barlow) |
| Children | At least 7 children including Theo Von |
| Burial Place | Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana |
Early Life in Nicaragua
Roland was born in Bluefields, a coastal town in Nicaragua. This small country in Central America was very different from the life he would later know in the United States. His family had interesting roots that connected to Polish nobility. The von Kurnatowski name came from a family of Polish aristocrats who had moved to different parts of the world.
As a young man in Nicaragua, Roland worked as a mahogany farmer. Mahogany is a valuable type of wood used to make beautiful furniture. This work was not easy. He spent long days in the forest, cutting trees and moving heavy wood. The job taught him to work hard and be strong. These qualities would stay with him throughout his entire life.
Moving to America
In 1922, when Roland was about 10 or 12 years old, he made a big change. He moved to the United States with his family. Like many immigrants at that time, they were looking for better opportunities and a new life. They chose New Orleans, Louisiana, as their new home.
New Orleans was a perfect city for someone like Roland. The city had a mix of different cultures, music, and traditions. It was a place where someone from Nicaragua could feel welcome. Roland adapted to his new country and eventually became an American citizen. He even served in the U.S. Army during World War II, showing his commitment to his adopted homeland.
Life in New Orleans
After settling in New Orleans, Roland built his life in this colorful city. He attended Tulane University, where he studied engineering. He also earned a law degree from Loyola University New Orleans. These degrees helped him become successful in business.
Roland got involved in real estate development. He built apartment buildings in the Gulf South area. Some sources say he also owned the famous Tipitina’s music club in New Orleans. This was a legendary place where musicians played jazz and other types of music. Whether he owned it or not, Roland was clearly connected to the music scene in the city.
He had a close friendship with Harry Connick Sr., who was the district attorney of New Orleans. Harry Connick Sr. was also the father of the famous singer and actor Harry Connick Jr. Theo Von has mentioned this friendship in his podcasts and hopes to one day meet Harry Connick Jr. to share stories about their fathers.
Becoming a Father at 70
The most surprising part of Roland’s story is that he became a father when he was very old. When Theo Von was born on March 19, 1980, Roland was either 68 or 70 years old, depending on which records you believe. This is very unusual. Most people at that age are already grandparents or even great-grandparents.
Roland met Gina Capitani, who was 38 years younger than him. Despite this big age difference, they had a relationship and had children together. When Theo was born, his mother Gina was 32 years old. Theo grew up with three siblings in Covington, Louisiana.
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What Kind of Father Was He?
Theo Von has talked a lot about his father in his comedy shows and podcasts. According to Theo, Roland was kind, laid-back, and fun to be around. He loved drinking coffee, listening to Spanish talk radio, and telling stories about his past. He drove a big Delta 88 car with loud bass speakers, which Theo thought was cool.
However, having such an old father was difficult for young Theo. When he was a small child, he loved his father deeply. He would walk with him to church and help clear leaves from the sidewalk so his father would not trip. But as Theo got older, he started to feel embarrassed. Other kids had younger, more active fathers. Theo’s dad was slower, had wrinkles, and looked very different from other dads.
In some interviews, Theo admitted that he would sometimes walk far behind his father in public. He did not want other kids to notice how old his dad was. Looking back now, Theo feels sad about this. He wishes he had spent more time getting to know his father instead of worrying about what others thought.
Roland’s Final Years
Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. died on August 18, 1996, from cancer. He was buried at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, a famous cemetery where many important people from the city rest. When he died, Theo was only 16 years old. Losing a parent as a teenager is always hard, but Theo had additional feelings of regret.
In one emotional podcast episode, Theo said, “I didn’t even try to know him because I was afraid he’d die.” He realized that he had pushed his father away because he was scared of losing him. Now, as an adult, Theo has worked on forgiving himself and his father. He uses his comedy to share these feelings with others who might have similar experiences.
Even in his final years, Roland had someone special in his life. A woman named Miss Maggie took care of him. She was about 20 years younger and came from a well-known New Orleans family. Theo remembers visiting them and feeling happy there. He has spoken kindly about Miss Maggie and how she brought peace to his father’s last days.
Roland’s Legacy Through Theo
Today, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. lives on through his son’s comedy and stories. Theo often mentions his father during his shows and podcasts. He has even tattooed his father’s name on his arm as a permanent reminder.
The unusual childhood of having such an old father gave Theo a unique perspective on life. It provided him with material for his comedy but also taught him important lessons about family, regret, and forgiveness. Theo’s ability to be honest about his complicated feelings has helped him connect with millions of fans who appreciate his genuine approach.
Roland’s journey from a mahogany farmer in Nicaragua to a father in Louisiana shows the American immigrant story in a special way. He lived through major historical events, moved across continents, raised multiple children, and created a legacy that continues today through his famous son.
Conclusion
Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. was not a famous person during his lifetime. He was a regular man who worked hard, loved his family, and lived a long, interesting life. But his decision to become a father at 70 years old created a unique family story that has touched many people.
Through Theo Von’s comedy and honesty, we learn that family relationships are complex. They involve love, embarrassment, regret, and ultimately, acceptance. Roland’s story reminds us that it is never too late to make an impact on someone’s life, and that our actions continue to matter long after we are gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. when Theo Von was born?
Roland was either 68 or 70 years old when Theo was born in 1980. Different records show different birth years for Roland (1910 or 1912), which is why there is some confusion about his exact age.
2. What was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s job?
Roland started as a mahogany farmer in Nicaragua. After moving to the United States, he became a businessman involved in real estate development. He built apartment buildings in Louisiana and was connected to the New Orleans music scene.
3. When did Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. die?
Roland died on August 18, 1996, from cancer. He was about 83 or 86 years old at the time. Theo Von was only 16 years old when his father passed away.
4. Where was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. from originally?
Roland was born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, a coastal town in Central America. He moved to the United States in 1922 and settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he lived most of his life.
5. Did Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. have other children besides Theo Von?
Yes, Roland had at least seven children from two different relationships. He was previously married to Ruth Joan Barlow and had three children with her. Later, he had four children with Gina Capitani, including Theo Von and his three siblings.
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