Author: Tovrea Carraro Society

U.S. Flag is flying over the Castle this week in memory of Leo Anthony Carraro. 

In Memory of Leo Anthony Carraro, who passed from this life peacefully August 16, 2021, the U.S. Flag is flying over the Castle. 

Leo was born on June 8, 1939 in Phoenix AZ, the grandson of Alessio Carraro, visionary developer of Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights.  Leo Anthony’s father, also Leo, was instrumental in helping his father, Alessio, build the Castle in 1928.  The Castle was originally meant to be a Boutique Hotel in the Sonoran Desert – welcoming guests from around the world.

He attended St. Mary’s elementary school and high school and was active in the high school band, excelling on the trumpet. Leo also completed 2 years at the U of A in Tucson before joining the Army in November, 1961. He was trained as a Construction Machine Operator and was on the Army Rifle Team, having been awarded several medals. He was Honorably Discharged in 1965.

Upon his return to Phoenix, he opened one of the first Slot Car centers at 12th Street and Northern. He was filmed by Candid Camera as he had a cat that would chase the cars racing on the track and chase them around the track and then pounce on them.  The program aired in 1966.

Cat Chasing a Slot Car_Phoenix_AZ-1966

Leo married late in life and he and his wife Sonia loved to go to Las Vegas to enjoy the nightlife, gambling and the wonderful food buffets. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed many backpacking trips in the Sierras with his sister, Marie Carraro Cunningham. He also spent many hours with his friends in a metal detector club searching for objects of interest.

Leo was generous to a fault and had a kind and compassionate soul.  Loved by many, he is already greatly missed.