Drago Cvitanovich

THE OYSTERS IN HEAVEN JUST GOT BETTER! Drago Cvitanovich, co-founder of Drago’s Seafood Restaurant died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 4, 2017, completing the last chapter of his storied life. He was the son of the late Dragutin and Bara Cvitanovic'. He was preceded in death by ten siblings, two of whom passed away during childbirth, along with sisters Gloria Batinich, Mary Lulich-Marinovich, Franka Lovic', and brothers David Cvitanovich, Tomislav Cvitanovic', Barisa Cvitanovic', Zivko Cvitanovic', and Fabijan Cvitanovic'. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Klara Cvitanovich, and sons Tommy and Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, along with daughters-in-law Leanne Flick Cvitanovich and Heidi Hoffmann Cvitanovich. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Maddie, Josh, Carson, Maya, Callie, Caroline, Kacie, and Little Drago. Being a grandfather brought tremendous joy to Drago. Born in Igrane, Croatia, Drago attended a Franciscan school as a young man, which laid the foundation for a lifetime of faith and service to others. He fled his homeland following World War II to escape the Yugoslav Communist regime. He initially went to Germany, where he joined the U.S. Army Labor Department and served as a military police officer. In the spring of 1958, he took a trip to New Orleans to visit family and experience his first Mardi Gras. It was during that trip he met Klara, a fellow Croatian, who was also visiting her family. Three weeks later, they were married in Buras, Louisiana. Drago and Klara relocated to Canada, where Drago began his career in foodservice. They started a family and loved Canada, but Drago still had his life-long dream to one day immigrate to the United States. After four years they were awarded a U.S. entry visa. Drago and Klara reached New Orleans in 1964 with two young sons, two suitcases, a little bit of money, and a lot of dreams. Once in New Orleans, Drago worked at his sister’s restaurant in Lakeview. In 1968 and 1969, Drago worked at Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter. He developed an admiration and respect for the Acme family which he has passed-on to his family. In 1969, Drago and Klara opened Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in Metairie. Drago’s, home of the legendary Original Charbroiled Oyster, has grown from humble beginnings to over 450 employees wearing the Drago's logo across three locations in two states. When working at the restaurant, the hi-light of Drago's day was to sing "Happy Birzzday" to his guests who were celebrating. He serenaded thousands! In 1995, Drago was the King of the Krewe of Argus parade on Mardi Gras Day. In 2013, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich were inducted into the Louisiana Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. In the same year, the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation honored his legacy with the creation of the Drago Cvitanovich Award for Outstanding Philanthropy by an Entrepreneur. In November 2014, Drago and Klara were awarded the Ella Brennan Lifetime achievement Award by NOWFE. Even more legendary than the oysters, is the legacy that Drago leaves behind. The Monument to the Immigrant statue in Woldenberg Park has an inscription that reads, “Drago and Klara Cvitanovich immigrated to the United States with a vision that only hard work and perseverance could make happen. What they gave to their sons and others is an example for generations to follow.” Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., NOLA on Monday, February 6, 2017 beginning at 5:00pm until 9:00pm then on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 a visitation will begin at 10:00am at St. Clement of Rome Church, 3978 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:30pm. Interment will take place in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Drago's Foundation 3232 North Arnoult Rd, Metairie LA 70002. All contributions will be distributed to Alzheimer's Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Sunshine Kids, Jesuit, Mt. Carmel, Christian Brothers School, St. Clement of Rome & Catholic Charities. To sign and view the Family Guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.