Don Carano, one of Reno’s most influential figures, recently died at age 85. An attorney, philanthropist and winery owner, Carano was responsible for promoting and growing Reno’s local gaming and resort industry. Former Reno Mayor Bob Cashell said, “Don Carano was a great leader, he was a great businessman and he was a very generous man who helped a lot of people. He was just a great friend and a great partner. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever known in my life, and I’ll miss him sorely.”
Carano, a Reno native, served in the U.S. Army and earned a law degree from the University of San Francisco. In 1973 he left active practice and built the 282-room Eldorado Hotel and Casino—a risky move since it was located “north of the railroad tracks.” Cashell said, “When he and his partner started the Eldorado, because he was north of the tracks, people thought he’d go bust and be out of business in no time.” The property became heart of Reno’s downtown, focusing on “food and family.” Carano noted, “Food is our Frank Sinatra.”
In 1992, Carano partnered with Circus Circus Enterprises and Mandalay Resorts/MGM to build the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. In 2015, Eldorado Resorts gained full ownership of the Silver Legacy and Circus Circus. Today Eldorado Resorts owns 19 properties in 10 states.
Carano also was involved in the construction of the National Bowling Stadium in 1995 and Reno Events Center in 2005. Cashell said, “I bet Reno would look a lot different without Don. It was his leadership that helped create and redevelop downtown. He kept drawing things to that area. Without his leadership, a lot of things wouldn’t have happened.”
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said, “Carano was a proud veteran, respected lawyer, champion of law enforcement, successful winery owner and founder of one of Reno’s most iconic downtown establishments, the Eldorado Hotel and Casino. He will be truly missed, but his contributions to the Biggest Little City will live on. Don will forever be known as a pillar and philanthropist in Northern Nevada and the surrounding community.”
In 1981 Carano founded Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley in California and in 2008 he purchased Lazy Creek Vineyards. The Carano family also owns other hotels and restaurants and 24 ranches totaling more than 1,900 vineyard acres in Northern California.
In April, Carano was named a Distinguished Nevadan by the Board of Regents. He also has been honored as Alumnus of the Year at the University of San Francisco School of Law; Knight in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest honor granted to an Italian living outside the country; Nevada Food and Beverage Directors Association Man of the Year awards; American Lung Association Distinguished Community Service Award; and the International Restaurant and Hospitality Rating Bureau’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He also was inducted into the International Gaming and Wagering Business Hall of Fame.
Carano is survived by his wife Rhonda, five children, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
