Salvadore Anthony Mortillaro's Obituary
Salvadore Anthony Mortillaro was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 2, 1943, and passed away at his home in Covington on February 5, 2025, at the age of 81.
He grew up on the corner of Olive and Eagle Streets in New Orleans to Joseph P. Mortillaro and Rosalie D. Mortillaro. His parents were both children of Sicilian immigrants and passed on to him an incredible work ethic and drive of entrepreneurial spirit that lasted the entirety of his life.
He was incredibly personable with everyone he met, always treating and speaking to strangers as if he’d known them for their entire lives. He loved to connect with people over food and would relentlessly make restaurant recommendations to anyone who would listen. He also loved to cook and was known for creating cookbooks to give to his customers. He entered the Army National Guard in New Orleans where he learned electronics repair on radars and then went to work at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility to help build Saturn V rockets.
In 1973, he met the love of his life, Darlene Rossi, and wooed her with his orange Volkswagen Beetle and charming Burt Reynolds-esque looks which were enhanced by his open collared shirts and gold chain. Sal blazed his own path, owning many successful businesses throughout his years including Qwik-Chek deli in Metairie, where he was the first to coin the term “Overstuffed Po-Boy” to describe how he made his po-boys. He later founded Clearview Auto Insurance in Metairie, but his most proud business accomplishment was when he founded Clearview Auto Title & Notary in 1975 on the corner of Clearview Pkwy and West Napoleon where everyone knew its “Big Man” statue as a Metairie icon and landmark. He later opened a location in Covington in 2007. Despite his various professional successes, he would still tell you that his greatest accomplishment was his family.
He was “dad” to Marguerite Mortillaro King (Jeff), Sal Mortillaro II (Tiffany), Nick Mortillaro, and Marissa Mortillaro Puffer (Tyler). He was grandfather to Marguerite “Maggie” Mastromatteo, Kasie Hargis, Hilarie Lognion, Salvadore Mortillaro III, Hale Puffer, Vivienne Puffer, Dean Puffer, and Noah Puffer and great-grandfather to 6 great-grandchildren.
He put in long hours building his business to give his family everything they could ever want or need. His love of travel brought him and his family on countless cruises, trips, and weekend getaways to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Rosalie Mortillaro, brother Joseph Mortillaro Jr. (Penny), and sister Santa Mortillaro Quirk. He is survived by his brothers, Steve Mortillaro and Henry Mortillaro, along with countless nieces and nephews.
A private, family graveside service will be held at EJ Fielding funeral home in Covington on February 10, 2025, with a celebration of life for his numerous friends to be held at a later date.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Mortillaro’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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