Joseph Lawrence "Larry" Todaro
February 9, 1947 — August 19, 2015
Joseph Lawrence “Larry” Todaro, 68, was born on February 9, 1947 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania and passed away on August 19, 2015 in Downey, California.
Larry grew up in Pennsylvania, graduated from Monessen High School and California University of Pennsylvania. He lived in New York, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State, before settling in Southern California.
He was an accomplished professional poker player, well known and respected in the casino circuit. He was often seen at the Bicycle Club in Bell Gardens and Commerce Casino in Commerce. He also played in World Series games in both California and Nevada. Prior to finding his passion for poker, he held several jobs, including field representative for Proctor & Gamble on the East Coast and social worker for Children’s Services in Boulder, Colorado.
He was also a self-professed “philosopher,” enjoying a daily hike to contemplate life. Unfortunately, philosophizing didn’t pay the bills, so he tried his hand at poker and discovered a hidden talent. His new skills led to a lucrative 37-year career that started in Washington State and eventually ended in Southern California.
The center of his world was his children. He loved to embarrass them with loud public declarations and displays of affection. You would often find him dancing and singing, slapping his belly, shouting “La Cucaracha!! These are my kids!”
Larry is survived by his son Kevin (Kandice) Todaro, daughter Kenda (Gabe) Rosenshine and grandchildren Kellan and Luka Rosenshine, all of Washington State. He is also survived by his sister Kathy Pankiewicz, nieces Shellie (Tom) Payne and Dawn Pankiewicz, aunt Ann Parker and uncle Joe Billy, all of Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Todaro, of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
Larry’s family invites you to a memorial viewing on Thursday, September 3, from 5-9pm at Risher Mortuary, 1316 Whittier Blvd., Montebello, California.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our web site.
Larry grew up in Pennsylvania, graduated from Monessen High School and California University of Pennsylvania. He lived in New York, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State, before settling in Southern California.
He was an accomplished professional poker player, well known and respected in the casino circuit. He was often seen at the Bicycle Club in Bell Gardens and Commerce Casino in Commerce. He also played in World Series games in both California and Nevada. Prior to finding his passion for poker, he held several jobs, including field representative for Proctor & Gamble on the East Coast and social worker for Children’s Services in Boulder, Colorado.
He was also a self-professed “philosopher,” enjoying a daily hike to contemplate life. Unfortunately, philosophizing didn’t pay the bills, so he tried his hand at poker and discovered a hidden talent. His new skills led to a lucrative 37-year career that started in Washington State and eventually ended in Southern California.
The center of his world was his children. He loved to embarrass them with loud public declarations and displays of affection. You would often find him dancing and singing, slapping his belly, shouting “La Cucaracha!! These are my kids!”
Larry is survived by his son Kevin (Kandice) Todaro, daughter Kenda (Gabe) Rosenshine and grandchildren Kellan and Luka Rosenshine, all of Washington State. He is also survived by his sister Kathy Pankiewicz, nieces Shellie (Tom) Payne and Dawn Pankiewicz, aunt Ann Parker and uncle Joe Billy, all of Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Todaro, of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
Larry’s family invites you to a memorial viewing on Thursday, September 3, from 5-9pm at Risher Mortuary, 1316 Whittier Blvd., Montebello, California.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our web site.
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