Vito Agnello

Vito passed peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at his home in Saint Louis, Missouri. Vito was born June 13, 1928 to Carlo and Jesse in Saint Louis, the younger brother of siblings Rosalie and Lou. Vito is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Cynthia (nee, Bollasina), children, Carla (Mike) Jarvis, Johnny Agnello, Mary Jo Meitl and Joe (Liz) Agnello; grandchildren, Elle, Drew, Nick, Jake, Jack, Peter and Kyle; and sister, Rosalie Vaccaro.

Vito was raised on The Hill, a community he loved and to which he regularly returned to visit treasured friends and patronize respected businesses. As a young man Vito enrolled in the Army and fought in the Korean War. Upon his return stateside, he met Cynthia and the couple married in 1954. Vito and Cynthia raised four children while he developed a successful career in the restaurant business that spanned over 40 years. Among many whom he humbly acknowledged, Vito routinely credited his devoted wife as well as the owners, co-workers and regular patrons of Sala’s, Al’s Steakhouse, Parente’s and Musial & Biggie’s for shaping and sustaining his warm, inclusive and meticulous approach to his profession. And Vito’s weekly devotion at the Carmelite monastery, which paired his on-campus prayers with fresh bread from The Hill and Italian ice cream for the sisters, was his way of thanking God for his many blessings. In 1976 Vito established Grassis’ West, an Italian deli restaurant that celebrates local high schools and includes generations of their students and families among its broad and loyal customer base. The restaurant business appealed to Vito’s respect for and commitment to serve others and highlighted his animated sense of humor and uniquely uncommon, common sense.

Vito loved his family. They were the unwavering focus and unbounded joy of his life. Supported by Cynthia’s faith and quiet strength, Vito worked tirelessly and the couple’s family thrived. Inspired by his example, Vito’s family grew close around him as he confidently cultivated them with faith, encouragement, patriotism, laughter, great meals enjoyed together and unfailing love. Because of their support, Vito also enjoyed the confidence and compassion to generate and rejoice in others’ joys as well as recognize and ease their burdens. Vito served his God, his family, his country and others. And that served him well.

Visitation will be held at Saint Ambrose Church (5130 Wilson Avenue, 63110) on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a memorial mass at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by Monsignor Bommarito. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hill 2000 or the BackStoppers, Inc. Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so on line at www.calcaterrafuneral.com