Emilio Muscelli

Emilio Muscelli passed away in a local hospital April 15th, 2014 at the age of 91. Born August 11, 1922 to Annunziata and Camillio Muscelli in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. He served in the Italian Army during World War II and attended the University of Rome and studied economics. He came to the United States in 1948 initially working as a dishwasher and grave digger before being hired as a waiter, and eventually promoted to Captain at the famed Copacabana in New York City. Emilio was sent to Las Vegas in 1952 to open the new Sands Hotel Copa Room. From 1958 to 1960, he was the showroom maitre d’ at the El Rancho Vegas until it burned down in July of 1960. He worked from 1960 to ’69, holding the same post at the Flamingo. He was executive maître d’ at the International/Hilton from 1969 until his retirement to the golf course in ’79. As a revered Las Vegas maitre d’, he seated thousands of locals and visitors at the Rat Pack’s performances at the Sands in the early 1950s and to Elvis Presley’s attendance-record-setting shows at the Las Vegas Hilton in the 1970s. At the Sands, he became friends with several Rat Pack members, occasionally taking the Sinatra children with him to church on Sundays. “I had the best job anyone could have had in Las Vegas,” “Las Vegas was so very good to me. Whatever I have today, I owe to Las Vegas. The key to my success was that early on I learned how to treat people right — with respect — and, over the years, I always saw the sweet side of life.” He was a charter member of the Las Vegas Country Club. At age 90 still played golf frequently, and loved tending to his rose garden. He is survived by his son Perry, (Kathy), daughter Gina, and two grandsons, Spencer and Blake, all of Las Vegas; and sister Licia in Italy. Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday May 3rd at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern, Las Vegas. Viewing will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday May 2, also at Palm Eastern.