Torralba, Robert V.,

83, born in Beziers, France on January 11, 1932, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2015.

Robert came to the United States in early 1980s and was the owner of L'Artiste restaurant in downtown Louisville for a number of years. After closing the restaurant, he purchased and was the proprietor of Jeannie's Gifts for many years. More recently, he enjoyed working at the Louisville Auto auction where he could feed his passion for all types of cars. He volunteered at the Kentucky Refugee Ministries (KRM) where he cared for the children as well as minor trouble shooting for the computers. In 2012, Robert was given the Governor's Citation of Excellence award for volunteerism and service to acknowledge his contributions and service to the KRM.He worked hard and was so proud to become a U.S. citizen in 1989. For many years he enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad with his wife, Carolyn. Robert was an avid fan of Formula One racing and a passionate lover of jazz music.

He is preceded in death by his favorite cat, Sacha. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Claxton Torralba; his son Eric (in France); Josie, his stepsister (in France); step daughters Cathy Elmore (Jim), Daphne Renaud (Terry), Stephanie Evans ( Rusty), and Jennifer Price (Del); and seven grandchildren, Tess, Will, Lauren, Cameron, three in France and his beloved Mini Cooper.

A memorial visitation will be on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 4-6 pm at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Robert's memory to be made to Kentucky Refugee Ministries, 969 Cherokee Road, Louisville, KY 40204

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