Louie Notarianni

Luigi Filippo Notarianni, known to his friends as Lou or Louie, died in his sleep on October 7, 2024. Lou, 84 years, was born on May 28, 1940, to Filippo and Carmela Angotti Notarianni in Salt Lake City Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Angela Johnson (husband Ross) and Jean Caruso (husband John, also deceased); his wife Joyce Ann Todd and stepson Kim Chournos (wife Kathaleen Rowley). Lou is survived by his brother Philip Notarianni (wife Maria), daughter Carmela “Cammy” Notarianni, and stepdaughters, Kellie Ann Cox (husband Gordan), Kara Lee Kamerath (husband Kevin) and Kaye Notarianni.

Lou’s parents immigrated from Pedivigliano, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy and settled in Magna Utah, where he and his siblings were born and raised. As a youth Louie participated in the scouting program where he eventually earned his Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, the National Honor Society of Scouting. He attended the University of Utah but was drafted into the army before completing his education. Rather than serve in Vietnam, his unit was diverted to Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall. He served two years in Germany achieving the rank of Sergeant, becoming Company Clerk. 

After Lou’s time in the service, he returned home and began a 30+ year career working in various roles for Kennecott Copper, eventually assuming the role of Chief Personnel Clerk, He retired in the early 1990’s. Lou followed in his father’s footsteps as a part-time cobbler. In 1978, he took shoemaking classes at the Utah Technical College in Orem, and took over Utah Shoe Repair. His father, known as “Shorty the Shoemaker,” became a fixture in the town of Magna, and would have been proud of his son. 

After a brief, failed first marriage, Lou married Joyce Ann Todd, on September 14, 1973. Though no children were born to this union, they enjoyed a large posterity of 13 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 11 great, great-grandchildren. Lou and Joyce were married 51 years before her death earlier this year. Joyce was the love of Louie’s life; they traveled extensively, enjoyed sports, and especially loved being with their family. Family parties and traditions were an anticipated part of their life until the restrictions of age interfered, but family members took the reins and traditions have carried on.

Lou and Joyce moved from their Orem home of 50 years into Spring Gardens, an assisted living center in Mapleton Utah, during the winter of 2022 after Lou suffered injuries from a fall. However, the change in location did not deter the energy of this happy couple. They enjoyed various activities the center had to offer, made new friends and spread their infectious joy to the residents and staff. Louie is best known for his skills at Blackjack and off-colored Italian singing – which he often encouraged the staff and residents to participate in. He will be missed by all who knew him, as is Joyce.

The last activity offered by Spring Gardens in which Louie was able to participate was his favorite. It was called the “Dream Flight” and offered veterans residing in assisted living centers an opportunity to ride in a WWII Stearman training biplane. The staff of Spring Gardens and the sponsors of this event were amazing with the veterans; the joy brought to Lou and his fellow veterans was priceless. Thank you, Spring Gardens, and all those who created this opportunity.

The last six months of Louie’s life without Joyce were difficult for him. She was the center of his universe and he never fully overcame her loss. What a joy it must have been when he was able to reunite with her again in spirit. Though his family will miss him dearly, we know he’s happy again with his “Sweet Alice.”

A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 18, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 65 East 500 North, Orem Utah. Viewings for family and friends will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah; and from 11:00-12:00 on Friday before church services at St. Francis. Interment following the services will be at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem Utah.

 Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

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