Biography of 	OTERI, S., Palermo, Italy, then Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by 	Mike Miller November 1998

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S. Oteri.  One of the best known and most deservedly popular
establishments in the city of New Orleans, if not in the United 
States, is the wholesale fruit establishment of S. Oteri, which is 
located at 23-25 South Front Street.  The successful and intelligent
proprietor of this admirably conducted establishment was born at 
Palmero, Italy, and when ten years of age came to the United States, 
and after some time spent in the city of New York he went to Mobile, 
Ala., and about thirty-eight years since took up his residence in New 
Orleans.  Upon reaching this country he had but little means, with no 
knowledge of the English language, but began business in a humble way 
as a vender of fruit, and so well did he manage his business affairs 
that he was finally enabled to establish a wholesale fruit business
and to obtain some stock in a number of vessels.  Owing to the 
excellence of goods he handled, and the prompt and courteous attention 
paid to the requirements of patrons, a large and substantial trade was 
secured from the start, and has continued to broaden and grow until it 
is now colossal in its proportions.  He is the proprietor of the Oteri 
Central American steam line, consisting of six large vessels, and in 
August, 1891, his books footed up $630,000 worth of wealth, besides 
their large outputs and consignments.  He is the owner of large 
plantations in Central America and practically controls the fruit trade 
of North America.  He is the largest importer in the world of tropical, 
foreign and domestic fruits and nuts, and is doing an immense 
commission and jobbing business besides.  Mr. Oteri was married in New 
Orleans to Miss Mary G. Valenzons, who, after proving herself a devoted 
wife and mother, died at the age of forty-two years, leaving one child, 
Santo Oteri, who was born November 13, 1868.  The latter received a 
good business education in New Orleans, graduating from a commercial 
college at the age of thirteen years.  He has since been his father's 
business manager, and does all the office work.  He is an efficient 
business man, and is a genial gentleman to meet.  He is a fine specimen 
of physical manhood, and is an honor to the race from which he sprung.  
He is a member of the Young Men's Gymnastic club, and is in sympathy 
with the Catholic church.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 293.
Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.