Louis Boitano

Louis BOITANO April 16, 1924 ~ March 16, 2001 Lou passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 16, one month shy of his 87th birthday. Lou was born in a small house in Ballard, the offspring of Italian immigrant parents Frederick and Adelina Boitano. After graduating from Ballard High School, Lou enlisted in the Marine Corps and saw active service in the Pacific during the Second World War, serving on the aircraft carrier, USS Bunker Hill where he was involved in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa Campaigns. A sergeant upon discharge, Lou joined the Seattle Fire Department where he served until retirement. In 1949 he married his beloved neighborhood sweetheart, Carol Virginia Stave, a marriage that lasted nearly 62 years and produced three children and two grandchildren. Lou was always active and after his retirement from the Fire Department took on a second career as a Seattle School bus driver, becoming a beloved figure for the children he drove to school for nearly 20 years. Lou was a self-made-man, owning and managing a hotel in downtown Seattle and other properties in the Northwest. He had many hobbies including being an avid Square Dancer with Carol and building a summer cabin with his own hands on Lake Roesiger: a location enjoyed by countless friends and relatives. Lou travelled to Italy with his family in 1979 and 1982 to meet the aunts, uncles and cousins his mother had told him about all his life. He always felt a strong bond with his ancestral homeland and was an active member in the Sons of Italy. Lou was an avid historian, traveler and explorer, taking his family on many road trips as well as twice to Europe, to South America and on numerous cruises. More than anything, Lou's passion was spending time with his family. He cared for his mother Adelina and his mother-in-law Clara Stave until their passing. Lou loved his house in Magnolia where he lived with Carol for nearly their entire marriage. Lou is survived by his wife Carol, his son Edward (wife Deborah), his son James, his daughter Barbara (partner Phillip, children Lawrence and Jacie) and his grandchildren Nigel and Brianna. Lou will be missed by all. Please join us for a celebration of Lou's Life. Memorial Service to be held on Saturday March 26 at 1:00 p.m. at the Magnolia Presbyterian Church with reception to follow at the church. 3051 28th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199. Viewing at Evergreen Washelli on Thursday March 24 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Friday March 25 from 9:00 to 2:30 pm preceding burial services at 3:00 p.m. 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association or any Firemen's Association.