Charlie Gitto’s has been my favorite restaurant in St. Louis for as long as I can remember.  I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Gitto at the downtown restaurant several years ago. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a true legend.

To my dear brother,

I’ve been praying for you. I prayed that you are with Jesus and Mary enjoying the Glory of God.

Paul Gitto

So sorry that I just found out about Charlie’s passing.  We have been coming up to St Louis for Cardinal baseball for decades, and Charlie Gitto’s Restaurant was always our first stop.  After our meal, I would always stop to pay my respects to Charlie while he was holding court at the bar.   Also, I was the fella that kept the restaurant stocked with those Razorback Hog Hats up on the ledge.
Rest In Peace....!!
David Alphin
Fayetteville, AR

                My condolences to the Gitto Family.   I want send my gratitude for the help, kindness, and generosity that was given to me and many others in the community.    He will be missed.   

Gerard Van Dillen                          

I cut Charlies hair for about   10 years at the Executive salon downtown. we had many laughs as he sat in my chair. he was always complaining about the music, so we got a big band CD to play when he got his haircut.. one day he asked me why dont i come in to eat. i said, oh charlie, i can put sauce at home over noodles.. he said, ok but if u did what would u eat. I said. i like tortellini.. so 2 hours later he had a employee bring me over some tortellini.. he would get me baseball tickets, gave my daughter a great table and appetizer for her anniversary. He had veritgo alot an a few times i had to walk him back to the restaurant. he was funny and so good to me,, and yet, there was times he came in crabby. he would say to me, so what mood you in today. I said, depends on your mood.. lol he will be missed.. 

The family of Kostelac Grease Service Inc. would like to extend our deepest sympathies for your loss.  

When I was 16 years old I went to work for  Lea and Roy Russo  on  Sarah and west pine Rossini’s   Charlie was a  hot shot waiter and I was blessed to become his  bus girl he was my friend and mentor. Charlie  had a big German Shepard  he trained and loved that dog I became his Ginny  Pig 🐷 when the lunch rush was over we would go out in  front of the restaurant and he would have me hold the dog by the leash charlie would be 5 or 6 feet away and call the dog he would have me do this for a hour and laugh at me because I could not hold him. I always loved him and Anne we stayed friends always. Love to all of Charlie’s family I love all of you.


Dear Charlie,
So sad to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a St. Louis Icon who will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know how difficult it is to lose your Dad. l lost mine 50 years ago and think about him every single day. May the good Lord bless and keep him.
My very best,
Ray Felitto

Our condolences to the family of Charlie . He is be deeply missed. Thirty two years ago we got engaged at downtown Charlie’s. We have been going there ever since and have celebrated many anniversaries there. Charlie Gitto’s became our children’s favorite restaurant. Charlie always greeted us with a smile, kiss on the cheek , and a hug.  Our children would always say” we have to say goodbye to Charlie”. He made us feel like family. ❤️🙏

We've had so many fine & sad memories of times together, we will miss him dearly. We spoke just a few week ago & remembered how much love & fun had been shared both ways. His childhood friends,  Nino in particular are waiting to break his (@#÷*)

❤Love to you all

Back in the 80’s while I was GM and Liquor Rep. for Rocky Rococo’s Pizza  . Charlie was always very gracious if I needed  a food item I ran out of for my Pizza’s.  We traded baseball stories and  customer experiences at his bar many nights. He will be deeply missed.   R.I.P  Charlie and God bless 🙏🙏🙏

My late father, Jim “ Babe”
Spinale always spoke so highly of Mr. Gitto. A highlight was a fabulous family dinner at the restaurant. St. Louis has lost one of it’s best. I know Charlie and my dad are up in Heaven reminiscing about childhood days. My prayers for your family. 

Heartfelt sympathy for the family and friends of
Charles Gitto a real MENCH! Throughout my several decades working downtown one of the highlights was eating  at CHARLEY'S PASTA HOUSE.  Especially enjoyed being greeted at the door by HIMSELF and also visiting my old COAST GUARD shipmate Jim! My last day at MACY'S was my retirement party upstairs at the restaurant ,it was great fun, great food
and great memories! THANK YOU and ARRIVEDERCI, CHARLEY!

Charlie Jr., Johnny, Karen and family,

  So sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie Sr.  
As you know we have so many wonderful memories of your Mom and Dad at his restaurant, Cardinal Games, 1st Cardinal Cruise, etc.    Charlie was so full of life and brightened everyone’s day!  We loved hearing all his old stories and we have a few ourselves about him!  Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers that all your wonderful memories of him will get you through this difficult time!  
Hugs and prayers,
Bonnie and Monnie Volkert

To the Gitto Family, which is relatives, staff, and loyal patrons: every occasion at the namesake was a special one at the time and now a cherished memory......each a tribute to this gentleman &  St Louis luminary. Thank you isn’t enough Mr. Gitto, but thank you. Rest forever in Peace.

Several years ago, my best friend was in town, and we stopped for dinner at Charlie Gitto's downtown before the Cardinal game.  Charlie stopped to chat with us at our table, and said he knew my parents, and we discussed other mutual acquaintances from The Hill. Then he said, "Hey, we might be related. But, you still have to pay!" We got such a chuckle out of that!

Our condolences and prayers for the family.  Rest in peace, Charlie.

Cathy Correnti Holstein

We met in 1974, he showed kindness to my wife and two children when none was required, we were strangers, merely dining in his restaurant. As my career progressed his establishment continued to provide a respite and his humor a salve. No matter what transpired Charlie remained a constant source of kindness and honest friendship. It has been more than a year since I’d last seen him. He was in the hospital. When I entered his room he told me that I looked like “crap”! There he was, laying in a hospital bed suffering whatever and he was determined to avoid the situation and lighten the mood. When I left his room I was reminded of why he was loved by so many and how fortunate I have been to call him friend. I will miss you friend! 

This is a poem written by his beloved brother S. Paul Gitto:

Charlie,

You have journeyed 
in this life.
A pilgrim who put
out your hand,
and a smile,
a twinkling 
in the eyes of those
who could not repay
only to wish you
on your pilgrimage,
God's speed,
and a happy homecoming
at the end 
of your journey.

-your brother Paul

We'll always remember his great sense of humor, and his unique ability to take over an entire room. His godson Stephen will always remember his kindness towards him, and he was a true Godfather through his whole life. We cherish all the memories shared throughout the years. We will miss you, uncle Charlie! 

Love, Stephen and Patricia Ruiloba Gitto


CHARLIE,WAS  ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR ME,TREATED ME LIKE FAMILY.WILL ALWAYS REMEBER THE GREAT STORIES  HE WOULD TELL ME OVER  OUR GREAT TIMES TOGETHER. I'M SURE HE IS WITH GEORGIE,AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE IN HEAVEN.LOVE YOU CHARLIE,YOUR GOOMBA JAMIE.

My thoughts and prayers  go out to the Gitto family at this sad time.  Charlie was one special person.  I have many memories with Charlie through the years especially when we worked together at Scullen Steel on Manchester in the mid 60’s.  He was always very protective of his family!  I will always love and miss you Charlie but you are now with your love Annie and son, George.  May you Rest In Peace!  Love, Cousin Rosemary

My love and sympathy to the Gitto family from one of Charlie’s many cousins. I remember my fun-loving cousin Charlie enjoying Bugs Bunny cartoons on Sat. Am’s and all the funny faces he made, along with his rendition of famous baseball  players.l also remember the fun we had at his first restaurant on Macklind on the Hill. All the great ltalian records and artists. Always fun at Charlie’s.

As a little girl in grade school, I remember playing in your house, you were always nice to me, RIP.

OBITUARY

Charles E. Gitto, Sr.

July 6, 1932 – July 4, 2020

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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