Larry Lane Todaro

Larry was born on August 18, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to H.M. Larry Todaro and Eloise Todaro. He spent his childhood in various places throughout the Southwest, including Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico.

At age 16, he moved to Gallup, New Mexico, where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Valene. For 64 years, they shared a life rooted in love, faith, and family. They didn’t just walk through life together—they danced. Larry was a pillar of strength, always offering his unwavering support, guidance, and love. Together, he and Valene raised three children: Chris, Michele, and Darrin. Family time was filled with warmth, laughter, and good food—always in that order.

Larry dedicated his career to the food service industry, spending most of it with Furr’s Cafeterias, where he worked for 37 years before retiring. He was trained by his father to be a professional baker and later owned his own cake shop for several years before returning to Furr’s to finish his career.

He had a wide range of passions: baking, cooking, fishing, hunting, shooting pool, and a love/hate relationship with golf. A true history buff and natural storyteller, Larry loved sharing tales with his children and grandchildren. The cowboy spirit in him ran deep—he adored western music, classic western films, and never missed an episode of Gunsmoke. He was known for his quick wit, pearls of wisdom, and the cheerful tune he whistled throughout the day. His grandchildren lovingly referred to his signature sayings as “Pep-isms.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Valene; his children Chris (Shannon) Todaro, Michele (Brent) Harrill, and Darrin Todaro; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Nena (Ken) Sanders, Lynne (Steve) Halvorson, and Barbara (Randy) Bain; his sister-in-law, Dell Todaro; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him greatly. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and fishing buddy, Joe Todaro.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on October 4th at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. Family and friends are invited to attend the Rosary in the chapel at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass in the church at 10:30 a.m., to pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Larry’s memory.

Rest in peace, my love, my Larry (Daddy, Dad, Pepa, Pa). Your memory will live forever in our hearts.

Hi-ho Silver… away.