ᐅ Louisiana Death Notices 2009-2024
Cvitanovich, Cvhase, Cuyler, Cuvillier, Cutway, Cutty, Cutts...

THE OYSTERS IN HEAVEN JUST GOT BETTER! 

Drago Cvitanovich, co-founder of Drago’s Seafood Restaurant died peacefully surrounded by his family on  ,   4, 2017, completing the last chapter of his storied life. He was the son of the late Dragutin and Bara Cvitanovic'. He was preceded in death by ten siblings, two of whom passed away during childbirth, along with sisters Gloria Batinich, Mary Lulich-Marinovich, Franka Lovic', and brothers David Cvitanovich, Tomislav Cvitanovic', Barisa Cvitanovic', Zivko Cvitanovic', and Fabijan Cvitanovic'.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Klara Cvitanovich, and sons Tommy and Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, along with daughters-in-law Leanne Flick Cvitanovich and Heidi Hoffmann Cvitanovich. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Maddie, Josh, Carson, Maya, Callie, Caroline, Kacie, and Little Drago. Being a grandfather brought tremendous joy to Drago. 

Born in Igrane, Croatia, Drago attended a Franciscan school as a young man, which laid the foundation for a lifetime of faith and service to others. He fled his homeland following World War II to escape the Yugoslav Communist regime. He initially went to Germany, where he joined the U.S. Army Labor Department and served as a military police officer. In the spring of 1958, he took a trip to New Orleans to visit family and experience his first Mardi Gras. It was during that trip he met Klara, a fellow Croatian, who was also visiting her family. Three weeks later, they were married in Buras, Louisiana.

Drago and Klara relocated to Canada, where Drago began his career in foodservice.   started a family and loved Canada, but Drago still had his life-long dream to one day immigrate to the United States.   four years they were awarded a U.S. entry visa. Drago and Klara reached New Orleans in 1964 with two young sons, two suitcases, a little bit of money, and a lot of dreams.