Carlo DeMatteo

Carlo DeMatteo, 97, of New Orleans, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. He was first generation Italian American born to his Sicilian immigrant parents Salvatore DeMatteo and Frances Carollo DeMatteo on March 11, 1929. Carlo graduated from S.J. Peters High School in New Orleans where he was voted “Best Dressed” for his sense of style back in 1944 and subsequently received the Men Of Fashion award in 2011.

A successful real estate investor and owner of several companies in and around New Orleans, Carlo has been a generous supporter of the New Orleans Opera Association, the New Orleans Ballet and St. Joseph Charities and was one of the founding members of the Greater New Orleans Italian American Cultural Society in the 1970s.

He was awarded the Cavaliere Republica delle Italia by the Consul General of Italy, as well as the Sweetheart Award by the American Heart Association.

Carlo will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, and beloved uncle. He treasured his family and his Sicilian heritage above all else.

Carlo was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rose Janusa, Rosalie Mortillaro, Nita Mortillaro, Bernadine Hennis, and Mary Grace Christina; brother, Henry DeMatteo; and son-in-law, Michael Otillio.

Survivors include his wife, of 61 years, Louana Brocato DeMatteo; daughters, Lana DeMatteo and Carla DeMatteo Turnage (Philip); and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at The Peristyle at Bucktown and Care Associates Hospice for the care they provided to Carlo.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 1:00 until 3:00 pm, Monday, April 27, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans. A private interment will follow.

To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Carlo, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to American Italian Cultural Center, www.aiccnola.org.