Stefano Coaloa

Longtime Palisades resident, Stefano Coaloa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 4, in the comfort of his home and in the presence of his family after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 64 years old.

Stefano was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Nov. 2, 1953, the son of Stefano Giovanni Battista Coaloa and Maria Carmen Miranda. He attended Colegio San Jose in Buenos Aires and Colegio Don Bosco de la Orden Salesiano, among other schools, where he was repeatedly voted “mejor compañero” (everyone’s best friend).

He served nearly two years in the Argentine Navy before traveling the world and finally settling and establishing Portofino Tours Services in the Los Angeles area. Throughout his career, Stefano flourished in a diverse working environment, sharing the “LA experience” with global citizens from many parts of the world.
During this time, Stefano also became an accomplished real estate investor and developer, acquiring, constructing and restoring numerous properties over 30 years, following in the footsteps of his Italian father who built bakeries and apartment buildings in Buenos Aires.

Stefano is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Debra; his children, Victoria Luz, Florencia Liz, Stefano James, Christopher Sean and Vanessa Joy; his granddaughter, Eva; and his sister, Mara Coaloa, who lives in Buenos Aires.

Stefano will best be known for his zest for life, kindness, deep humanity, warm personality, generous spirit and optimism. He was a doting husband, and loved his family and friends with his entire being. He will also be remembered for his intelligent curiosity and his enterprising projects. He was a lover of music, dance, cooking, the ocean, sailing, traveling, and intimate gatherings with family and friends.

In the last years of his life, Stefano spent much of his time on the Pacific Ocean in his boat with his family and friends. Since fixing up a boat with his friends at age 16 in Buenos Aires, Stefano loved to sail and had a fascination with the ocean. He always said he felt at peace on his boat, Shalako, which means “divine blessing” in the Zuni language.

A burial at sea was held on Saturday, Nov. 18, in Marina Del Rey. A memorial tree planting will take place at a later date. For more information, contact Debra at dlcoaloa@hotmail.com. Memorial donations may be made to Save the Bay and The Lung Cancer Research Foundation.