Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. is best known today as the father of American comedian Theo Von, but his own story is unique and deeply tied to heritage, history, and family. Born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, in either 1910 or 1912, he lived an unusual life before settling in Louisiana, USA. With his full name, Roland Theodor Achilles von Kurnatowski, he carried a strong European legacy. His life, marriage to Gina Capitani, and role as Theo Von’s dad created a family history worth exploring.
Quick Bio of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roland Theodor Achilles von Kurnatowski Sr. |
| Known As | Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. |
| Born | 1910 or 29 Nov 1912 |
| Birthplace | Bluefields, Nicaragua |
| Nationality | Nicaraguan-American |
| Heritage | Polish, German, English |
| Spouse | Gina Capitani |
| Spouse Born | 9 July 1948, Illinois |
| Children | Theo Von (comedian) + siblings |
| Occupation | Family man (public career not widely known) |
| Death | 18 August 1996, New Orleans |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Burial Place | Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans |
Early Life in Nicaragua
The early years of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. remain partly mysterious, but records say he was born on 29 November 1912 in Bluefields, Nicaragua. Other documents suggest 1910. What is clear is that he grew up with a rich cultural background. His family line is believed to connect with Polish, German, and English ancestry, which explains his long, noble-sounding name, Roland Theodor Achilles von Kurnatowski.
Heritage and Family Name
The von Kurnatowski family name has roots in Polish nobility, linked to the Kurnatowski szlachta. This gave the family a sense of heritage that carried across borders. When Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. moved to the United States, he kept this connection alive. His life journey from Nicaragua to Louisiana added a special mix of cultures that shaped his household and later influenced his son, Theo Von.
Settling in Louisiana
After leaving Nicaragua, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. made New Orleans, Louisiana his home. He became part of the local community, raising his children in the Southern state. His household included values from Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. He was known for being much older than many fathers in the area, which often surprised people and later became part of Theo’s comedy stories.
Marriage to Gina Capitani
One of the most important chapters in his life was his marriage to Gina Capitani. She was born on 9 July 1948 in Wyoming, Illinois, and was decades younger than him. Despite the age gap, they built a family together. Their union became widely discussed after their son, Theo Von, became famous. People often search about “Theo Von parents” and find the names Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. and Gina Capitani at the center.
Becoming a Father Late in Life
By the time Theo Von was born on 19 March 1980, his father was already in his late 60s or early 70s. Many records and interviews say Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. was around 70 years old. This rare fact made Theo’s childhood different from many others. Theo has shared in interviews how having such an older dad influenced his humor and worldview. Fans often search “Theo Von dad” or “Theo Vons dad” to learn more about this story.
Theo Von’s Childhood with an Older Father
Growing up with an elderly father, Theo Von often felt his life was unusual. He later joked about it in his stand-up, mentioning how his dad’s old age led to funny, odd family moments. Having Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. as a father gave Theo material for comedy but also gave him a sense of wisdom from a man with long life experience. It shaped Theo’s voice as a storyteller.
Life and Legacy in New Orleans
Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. lived in New Orleans until his death. He passed away on 18 August 1996 at the age of about 84, though exact age depends on which birth year you accept. He was buried in Metairie Cemetery, a resting place for many well-known people in Louisiana. His life spanned two countries, multiple cultures, and nearly a century of history.
Cause of Death
Family accounts and public records say that Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. died of cancer in 1996. At that time, Theo Von was just a teenager. Losing his father so young left a deep mark. It also meant that Theo grew up with memories of his dad that were both loving and unusual. Many fans who search “Theo Von father” are surprised by how different his family story is compared to other celebrities.
Gina Capitani’s Role
After Roland’s death, Gina Capitani continued to raise Theo and his siblings. Today, people often ask about her age, and records confirm she is 77 years old in 2025. Her presence in Theo’s life was strong, balancing the influence of an older father. When fans ask about “Theo Von parents,” they learn that his story includes both the late Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. and his still-living mother, Gina Capitani.
Conflicting Birth Records
There is a small puzzle around the birth of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.. Some sources say 1910, while others give the exact date 29 November 1912. Both agree on Bluefields, Nicaragua as his birthplace. This shows how historical family records can vary, but all accounts point to his long life and journey that ended in Louisiana. Searches for “Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. born” often uncover these two versions.
Legacy Through Theo Von
The biggest impact of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. today is through his son, Theo Von. Theo, now a comedian, podcaster, and TV personality, often shares memories of his father in a humorous way. While his career includes TV shows like Road Rules and Netflix specials, it is the story of his unique father that grabs fans’ attention. Many comedy fans learn about Roland through Theo’s stories on stage.
Influence on Comedy
Having a dad who was much older than other dads gave Theo Von a special point of view. He often jokes about his dad’s age, his childhood with a much older parent, and how it made him feel different from other kids. The presence of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. in his jokes keeps his memory alive. Fans searching “Theo Vons dad” find not only history but also comedy based on Roland’s real life.
Why People Search About Roland
In recent years, many fans have become curious about Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.. This is mostly because of Theo’s rising popularity as a comedian and podcaster. People look up “Theo Von parents,” “Theo Von dad,” and “Roland Theodor Achilles von Kurnatowski” to understand the family background. They find a story that mixes heritage, age, and comedy, making Roland a fascinating figure.
Gina Capitani and Family Today
While Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. passed away in 1996, Gina Capitani continues to be an important figure. She keeps a lower public profile but is often mentioned in fan searches. Knowing her age and origins helps people understand the age gap between Theo’s parents, which made his childhood so unique. Gina Capitani’s age today highlights how she lived a long life beyond Roland’s passing.
Timeline of Important Events
- 1910 or 1912: Birth of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. in Bluefields, Nicaragua.
- 1948: Gina Capitani is born in Illinois.
- 1980: Birth of Theo Von in Covington, Louisiana.
- 1996: Death of Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. in New Orleans.
- 2025: Gina Capitani is 77 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.?
He was the father of comedian Theo Von, born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, and later lived in Louisiana, USA.
2. When was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. born?
Records conflict, showing either 1910 or 29 November 1912 as his birth year in Nicaragua.
3. Who were Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s parents?
Details of his parents are not widely available, but his family had Polish, German, and English heritage.
4. Who was Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.’s wife?
He was married to Gina Capitani, born in 1948 in Illinois, and they had children including Theo Von.
5. When did Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. die?
He died of cancer on 18 August 1996 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at about 84 years old.
The Lasting Legacy
Though not famous in his own right, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. is remembered through his son. His unusual role as an older father, his European heritage, and his long life make him a figure of interest. Every time fans laugh at Theo’s stories about his dad, they are indirectly celebrating Roland’s legacy. This keeps his name alive for new generations.
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