Who Was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.? Inside the Life of Theo Von’s Father

When you watch Theo Von tell funny stories on stage or listen to his podcast, you might wonder where all those stories come from. One big part of that answer is his father, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr..

What makes Roland’s story so interesting is that he was 70 years old when Theo was born. Yes, 70! Most people are thinking about retirement at that age, but Roland became a dad.

In this article, we’ll explore who Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. really was. We’ll talk about his early life, his time in Nicaragua, how he met Theo’s mom, and what kind of person he was. You’ll also learn about his special bond with Theo — and the deep feelings Theo has shared about his dad over the years.

Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. Quick Bio

Who Was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.?

Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. was the father of comedian Theo Von. He wasn’t famous like his son, but his story is still full of life, love, and lessons.

He was born a long time ago — either in 1910 or 1912 (some records say different things). He grew up in Bluefields, Nicaragua, and later moved to the United States. He had roots in Poland, England, and Nicaragua, which gave him a unique mix of cultures.

Even though he lived a quiet life, he had a big impact on Theo Von. People are now more curious than ever to learn about the man who raised one of today’s most popular comedians.

Roland’s Early Life in Nicaragua

Roland spent the early part of his life in Nicaragua, a small country in Central America. He was born in Bluefields, a coastal town known for its forests and water.

As a young man, Roland worked hard and lived a simple life. His family was connected to Polish nobility, but in Nicaragua, life was about survival and nature. His work and lifestyle shaped who he became later on.

He moved to the United States in 1922. Like many immigrants, he came looking for better opportunities. He was still very young at the time, just around 10 or 12 years old, and started a new chapter of life in Louisiana.

Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s Work as a Mahogany Farmer

Before he moved to the U.S., Roland was a mahogany farmer. Mahogany is a strong, valuable type of wood often used for furniture. Being a mahogany farmer meant spending long days in the forest, cutting trees, and moving heavy wood. It was tough work.

This job showed how strong and hardworking he was. He worked with his hands, lived close to nature, and knew how to take care of things. These were the kinds of values that he would later pass on to his children.

Even though his career path in the U.S. is not well known, Theo often described his dad as someone who loved simple joys — sitting with friends, talking in Spanish, and drinking coffee.

Roland and Gina Capitani

One of the most surprising parts of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s story is his love life. He met and married Gina Capitani, who was 36 to 38 years younger than him.

When Theo was born in 1980, Roland was about 70 years old, and Gina was only 31. That’s not something you hear every day! But they made it work, at least for a while. They had a family together and raised their kids in Covington, Louisiana.

Theo has often joked about the big age gap between his parents. But behind the jokes, there’s also a deep respect. His parents were very different — Gina was busy and serious, while Roland was calm and fun-loving.

The Birth of Theo Von

Can you imagine becoming a new dad at 70 years old? That’s exactly what happened with Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. when Theo was born. It’s rare, and it created a very unusual father-son dynamic.

While most kids had dads who played sports or ran around with them, Theo’s dad was much older. As a child, Theo didn’t fully understand it. He loved his dad, but he also sometimes felt confused or embarrassed about his age.

Over time, Theo began to see how different his childhood was. And today, as a grown man, he often shares funny, emotional, and thoughtful stories about what it was like growing up with an elderly dad.

What Was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. Like as a Person?

Roland wasn’t just a quiet old man in the background. He had a real personality. Theo describes him as kind, laid-back, and fun to be around.

He loved to drink coffee, listen to Spanish talk radio, and tell stories. He even had a big Delta 88 car with loud bass speakers — which is pretty cool for someone his age!

He also enjoyed shrimp, naps in his car at the park, and simple pleasures. He didn’t rush through life. He liked to laugh, and he taught Theo the value of enjoying the moment.

Theo Von’s Childhood Memories of His Father

Growing up, Theo had mixed feelings about his father, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. When he was a small child, he loved his dad deeply. He would walk to church with him and even clear the sidewalk of leaves so his father wouldn’t trip. He was a sweet and caring son.

But as Theo got older, things changed. He started to notice that his father was very different from the other dads. Most kids had younger, more active fathers. Theo’s dad was older, slower, and had wrinkles. This made Theo feel awkward and even a little embarrassed.

Sometimes, he would walk far behind his dad in public. He didn’t want other kids to notice the big age difference. It made him feel weird — even though deep down, he loved his father a lot. These memories became stories he now shares in his comedy, but they also come from real emotions.

Regrets and Reflections

When Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. passed away in 1996, Theo was just 16 years old. Losing a parent is always hard, but it was even harder because Theo felt like he didn’t know his dad very well.

As he grew older, Theo started thinking more about this. On his podcast, he shared how he had regrets — not about being a bad son, but about not trying harder to connect with his dad. He was just a teen and didn’t know how precious time really was.

In one emotional podcast episode, Theo said, “I didn’t even try to know him because I was afraid he’d die.” He admitted that he judged his father for being so old — and now he wishes he hadn’t. His journey of healing and forgiveness has helped him talk about these feelings with honesty.

Who Was Miss Maggie?

Even in his 80s, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. still had someone special in his life — a woman named Miss Maggie. She was about 20 years younger and came from a well-known family in New Orleans.

Theo remembers visiting them and feeling happy there. Miss Maggie had a lovely apartment and made sure Roland was well taken care of. She was kind, gentle, and treated Theo like family. He even stayed the night at her place sometimes when he was a kid.

Theo spoke highly of her in his podcasts. He said Maggie brought peace and joy to his father’s later years, and for that, he was very thankful. It’s clear that Roland was loved — not just by his family, but by those around him.

What Happened to Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.?

Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. passed away on August 18, 1996, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He died from cancer at the age of 86. He was laid to rest at Metairie Cemetery, a well-known place in the city.

Theo was only 16 at the time, and losing his father at that age was painful. Even now, Theo talks about how much he misses him. He often says he wishes he could go back and show his dad more love and pride.

Roland’s passing left a deep mark on Theo’s life. But through his comedy and storytelling, Theo keeps his father’s memory alive in a special way.

Theo Von’s Siblings and Half-Siblings

Theo wasn’t an only child. He grew up with three siblings — Zefferino (Zeff), Whittier, and Rolanda. Zeff is his older brother and a big support in Theo’s life. He now lives in Utah with his wife and kids.

Whittier lives in Baton Rouge and loves country music. Rolanda is the youngest and works as an ER nurse. She had serious health problems as a child and even needed a liver transplant, but she grew up strong, just like her mom.

Roland Sr. also had three children from a previous marriage: Roland Jr., Joan, and Thila. Sadly, Roland Jr. passed away in 2019 in a tragic accident. Despite having a large family, Theo has shared that his early years were tough and sometimes lonely. But over time, these family bonds have grown stronger.

Final Thoughts

You might wonder — why do people care about Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. in 2025? It’s because his story is touching, real, and very human. He lived a simple life, but his journey was filled with love, challenges, and lessons that many can relate to.

He showed that it’s never too late to become a father. He reminded us that being calm, kind, and full of stories can leave a lasting impression. And through his son Theo Von, Roland’s life and memory are shared with millions of fans around the world.

Even though he wasn’t rich or famous, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. gave the world something very special — his son, who still honors him through laughter, reflection, and heartfelt stories.

(FAQs)

Was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s obituary surprising?

Yes, his obituary listed a different wife (Ruth Joan Barlow) and three children, but didn’t mention Gina Capitani or Theo Von, which shocked many fans.

What was the cause of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s death?

He died of cancer in August 1996 in New Orleans. Theo Von was only 16 years old at the time.

How old was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. when he died?

He was either 83 or 86, depending on sources. He was born in 1910 or 1912, and passed away in 1996 — just 16 years after Theo was born.

What was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s ethnicity?

He had a mixed background of Polish, English, German, and Nicaraguan heritage — a rare and rich mix of cultures.

How many children and wives did Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. have?

He had at least 7 children from two known relationships — with Ruth Joan Barlow and later Gina Capitani, Theo Von’s mother.