Allen J. Lottinger leaves rich legacy of publishing, family, humble service
Allen Joseph Lottinger passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Sept. 8, 2023, at his home in Luling, in the loving arms of his caregivers Dean and Amy Church (daughter). He was a loving husband, beloved father, faithful provider, world traveler, friend, hero and journalist.
Lottinger was the publisher and founder of the River Parishes Guide, the St. Charles Herald Guide, Louisiana Sportsman Magazine, and the Carolina Sportsman Magazine. His love for journalism started at the early age of five, when he was given a little printing press by his parents as a present, and began a small newsletter for the neighborhood on what’s happening, who’s dating who, etc. He served in the Army during the Korean War where he wrote for the Stars and Stripes newspaper in Korea. He worked for many publications as managing editor, photojournalist and publisher before founding the River Parishes Guide in the 1970’s. His publications went on to win many awards. He also taught journalism classes at Nicholls State University.
Though he was a newsman at heart, he had a very humble spirit. His love, generosity, strong work ethic, and selfless service to his family were his best attributes. He always gave others the benefit of the doubt, and never spoke unkindly about anyone.
He graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in biology, where he was president of their Sigma Chi fraternity. He was an avid fan of the Green Wave and loved watching Tulane football.
Allen was a long-time parishioner of Holy Family Parish, where he had been a member of the choir. He was also a member of the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel in Ama. He was an active member of the St. Charles Rotary Club and other civic organizations.
Love of his life
Allen was married for 54 years to Colette Moreau Lottinger, the love of his life, until her death in 2015.
“I met her when I was just starting out in this business,” Lottinger said in 2015.
“I was working at the Houma Courier as the managing editor and she was working as a home demonstration agent teaching people how to get the most out of their new homes, life lessons so to speak,” he said. “One day this reporter came into my office to tell me he was going over to take a picture of this pretty girl for a story he was working on. So, I said don’t worry about it, I’ll go take the picture and that was the first time I saw her.”
They dated for about a year until he asked her to marry him.
She accepted his proposal.
He was preceded in death by his wife Colette Moreau Lottinger and his daughter Ann Lottinger Taylor (Tony). He is survived by his children, Sister Lilla Marie Lottinger, Lisa Lottinger Cuccia (Craig), Lauren Lottinger Clark (Fred), Allen Lottinger Jr. (Sineenard), and Amy Lottinger Church (Dean), and 17 grand children: Anthony Taylor Jr., Benjamin Taylor, Gabriel Taylor, Emma Taylor, Craig Cuccia, Sophia Cuccia, Colette Clark, Bernadette Clark, Bridget Clark, Frederick Clark, Abraham Clark, Theresa Lottinger, Elizabeth Lottinger, Patrick Lottinger, Jacob Brezinsky, Julian Brezinsky and Joey Brezinsky and two great-grandchildren: Levi Taylor and Elijah Taylor, and a host of other relatives.
Born on Nov. 14, 1928, in Houma La., Allen was the son of the late Emma Lea Lottinger and the late Lee Philip Lottinger. He was preceded in death by his siblings Emma Lea Lottinger, Judge Robert Lottinger, Sr., Lee Lottinger Jr., and Ruth Lottinger Lennep.
Services were held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Luling with burial at St. Francis de Sales Church in Houma.
Legacy Award
Lottinger’s impact on journalism and the outdoors did not go without notice. In the fall of 2021, the Louisiana Sportsman Magazine was presented the Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame’s Legacy Award in recognition of its ongoing commitment to Louisiana’s outdoor resources and people, as well as the many contributors to the magazine over the years.
Lisa Cuccia, Louisiana Sportsman’s president, accepted the award for the Lottinger family, which publishes the magazine.
“I was happy to accept the Legacy Award. So many people have been instrumental in the success of the Louisiana Sportsman, and I am very appreciative. I want to thank everyone who had a hand in making it a success. Without them it would not have been the same, but without my father it would not have been at all,” said Cuccia. “He will truly be missed.”
Cuccia called the family’s camp in Grand Isle the birthplace of the magazine and cited the importance family played in getting the magazine started.
Allen Lottinger was the journalist of the family; he began Louisiana Sportsman as a tabloid. In 1985, Louisiana Sportsman was switched to a magazine format. He served as publisher and wrote the Coastal Erosion column. His wife, Colette, sold advertising and penned the How Sportsman Cook column.
The magazine was a true family affair from the beginning. Colette Lottinger’s father, Al Moreau, wrote a fishing column called Allons a la Peche, while Cuccia ran the magazine’s production department. Ann Taylor, Lisa’s sister, was instrumental in the magazine’s editorial development and direction, while her husband, Tony, sold advertising and later became publisher. Allen Lottinger’s other daughters, Lauren, worked in graphic design and Lilla worked in marketing and sales.
When Allen Lottinger retired, the Taylors took over the day-to-day operations of the company. Cuccia took over as president in June 2020. The magazine has maintained a commitment to covering the great resources and people in the Louisiana outdoors.