United Cabs President Allen Soldani Dies At 69
Times Picayune 10-3-1996

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Allen Joseph Soldani Sr., president of United Cabs Inc., New Orleans' largest
taxi fleet, died Monday of cancer at his home. He was 69.

Mr. Soldani was born in New Orleans and raised in Plaucheville before
returning to New Orleans, where he lived for the past 50 years.

Mr. Soldani joined United as a driver about 30 years ago and later was the
company's manager for about five years, said Pat Murphy, the company's
assistant manager. He was president of United for the past decade.

"Al was well-respected," Murphy said. "He had a very good rapport with City
Hall."

In an industry regulated by city government, Soldani was known as someone who
would fight to protect drivers from new rules that would add to their costs.

"He looked out for the industry," Murphy said.

New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial called Soldani "an outspoken advocate for the
rights of cab drivers and owners" and praised him for his role in opening
United to black drivers a few years ago.

"A.J. Soldani was a good friend and dedicated New Orleanian," Morial said.
"His commitment to opening the doors of economic opportunity to all
individuals in the vehicle-for-hire industry made him a leader and role model
for the entire community."

City Councilman Troy Carter called Soldani "a very aggressive and strong
advocate for the taxicab industry."

Mr. Soldani was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion
Post No. 267 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6640.

Survivors include his wife, Rosa Lee Soldani; three sons, Rodney Steven and
Allen Joseph Soldani Jr. and Charles Bryan Weber; two daughters, Karen Soldani
Buckner and Pamela Soldani Pettit; a sister, Ella Mae Soldani Bernard; and
eight grandchildren.

A Mass will be said today at 2 p.m. at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans
Memorial Blvd., Metairie. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will be in
Lake Lawn Mausoleum.