Most people know Theo Von for his funny jokes and popular podcast. But not many know about the man who helped shape his life — his father, Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr.
Roland lived a very different life. He stayed away from fame. He was quiet, older, and lived simply. But he had a deep effect on Theo’s heart and mind. Here’s something interesting — Roland was 70 years old when Theo was born. That alone makes their father-son story one of a kind.
This article will tell the full story of Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. We’ll look at where he came from, who he loved, what kind of father he was, and how he is still remembered today — especially through Theo’s eyes.
Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. Profile Summary
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roland Theodor Achilles von Kurnatowski Sr. |
| Birth Date | November 29, 1910 (some say 1912) |
| Birthplace | Bluefields, Nicaragua |
| Death Date | August 18, 1996 |
| Age at Death | 86 years |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Burial Place | Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans |
| Nationality | Nicaraguan-American |
| Ethnicity | Polish, German, and English |
| Spouse | Gina Capitani |
| Children | Theo Von, Zefferino, Rolanda, Whittier, and others |
| Known For | Being Theo Von’s father and living a quiet, kind life |
| Friendships | Harry Connick Sr. |
| Personality | Calm, humorous, private, and loving |
Who Was Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr.?
Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. was not a celebrity. But his life was full of quiet power and personal meaning. He lived a private life, far from the spotlight. His full name was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. Theodor Achilles Von Kurnatowski Sr. He was born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, on November 29, 1910 (some say 1912). He later moved to the United States and spent many years in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Roland passed away on August 18, 1996, after battling cancer. He was 86 years old when he died and is buried at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans. Even though he wasn’t famous, he left behind something more important — a lasting mark on his family, especially on his youngest son, Theo.
Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. Early Life
Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. was born in Nicaragua, a country in Central America. He came from a background that mixed Polish, German, and English roots. As a young man, he worked as a mahogany farmer. That means he cut and worked with a special kind of wood, used in fine furniture. When he was about 12 years old, he moved to the United States. He came looking for a better life and settled in New Orleans. That’s where he built a simple, peaceful life.
Not much is known about his work in America, but those close to him say he was a man who loved to laugh, enjoyed life, and didn’t worry too much. He didn’t chase fame or money. He lived quietly, with strong values and a calm spirit. This peaceful way of living later had a big influence on Theo.
Roland’s Love with Gina Capitani
Roland’s love story is truly unique. He fell in love with Gina Capitani, who was 38 years younger than him. Gina was born in 1948, and she had a very different personality compared to Roland.
While Roland was relaxed and calm, Gina was more serious and was always working. She worked delivering newspapers, even into her late 70s. She worked hard to support her family. Together, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. and Gina had four children, including Theo Von, who was born in 1980. They raised their family in Covington, Louisiana.
Theo often said his mother was always stressed, and he could never make her laugh. But his dad? His dad knew how to smile, laugh, and enjoy the moment. Their love may have looked unusual from the outside, but it created a family that shaped Theo’s life and stories.
Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. Become Father
Roland became a dad again at age 70. That’s something you don’t hear every day. Imagine being a new father when most people are becoming grandfathers! He had other children, too. From a past relationship, he had Roland Jr., Joan, and Thila. With Gina, he had Theo, Zefferino, Whittier, and Rolanda. Theo’s sister, Rolanda, had health problems as a child. She had liver issues and even had a liver transplant. Because of this, she got a lot of love and attention from their parents.
Theo’s older brother Zefferino, or “Zeff,” was like a strong support for him. Theo once said that Zeff was the first person who truly loved him without condition. Even in his 80s, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. had a girlfriend named Miss Maggie, who helped take care of him. She was about 20 years younger, and she stayed by his side in his final years. As Theo grew up, he felt awkward about his dad’s age. He said he was sometimes embarrassed, especially when other kids had younger dads. But deep down, he loved his father. Looking back, he wished he had spent more time learning from him and honoring the bond they had.
His Bond With Famous Friends
Even though Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. lived a quiet life, he had some special friends. One of them was Harry Connick Sr., the father of singer and actor Harry Connick Jr. Roland and Harry Sr. had a strong friendship. They both lived in New Orleans, and they shared a love for simple things. Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. didn’t care about fame. He just liked being around good people.
T heo VTheo on has said that he’s never met Harry Connick Jr., but he would love to talk to him one day. He wants to tell him stories about their dads. He believes they would enjoy hearing about how their fathers were close friends. This shows that Roland had a way of making good people feel at ease. Even though he wasn’t rich or famous, others liked being around him because he was kind, calm, and honest.
Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. Death
Sadly, Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. passed away on August 18, 1996, in New Orleans. He died from cancer at the age of 86. At that time, Theo Von was only 16 years old.
Roland was laid to rest at Metairie Cemetery, a peaceful place in the city he loved. In his final years, he was cared for by Miss Maggie, the woman who stayed by his side. She made sure he was not alone. After his father died, Theo had a lot of mixed feelings. He once said he felt guilt and regret. He wished he had spent more time with his dad and honored their bond more.
Growing up, Theo had felt awkward about his father’s age. He didn’t understand how special Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. was until later in life. But as Theo grew older, he began to remember the little things — like how his dad laughed, stayed calm, and enjoyed the moment. These small memories helped Theo heal. He started to see his dad in a new light. Not just as an old man, but as a man who had lived a full and beautiful life.
Final Thoughts
The life of Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. was not loud. It was not flashy. But it was full of meaning.He came from Nicaragua, worked with his hands, raised a family in his 70s, and made real friendships that lasted. He showed that you don’t need fame to leave a mark — just kindness, laughter, and love.
His story is still alive today, thanks to his son Theo Von, who shares funny and heartfelt stories on stage and in his podcasts. Through Theo, the world gets small glimpses of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr., a man who lived life slowly, simply, and with quiet strength. Roland’s story teaches us that even if we live privately, we can still make a big difference. Sometimes, the people who say the least leave the biggest impact.
(FAQs)
Where was Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. born?
He was born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, in either 1910 or 1912.
When did Roland Von Kurnatowski Sr. move to the U.S.?
He moved to the United States in 1922, around the age of 12.
What was his job or career?
He worked as a mahogany farmer in Nicaragua. His U.S. work life is not widely known.
Was he married?
Yes. He married Gina Capitani, who was 38 years younger than him.
How many children did he have?
He had children from two relationships. With Gina, he had four children, including Theo Von.
Also Read:
Who Is Michael Levonchuck?: Everything About Amber Rose’s Father
Who Was Steve Carell’s Father Edwin A. Carell? All You Need to Know
The Untold Story of John Paul Sarkisian: Cher’s Troubled Father
