Gary De Angelis, original owner of long time Chicago night spot ''Hotsie Totsie Yacht Club and Bait Shop'', has died at 71 of lung cancer. Gary arrived in Chicago in the late 1950's as the advance man for Bob Scobey's Frisco Jazz Band, booking the band featuring singers Toni Lee Scott & Clancy Hayes, in and around the Midwest, settling in the Rush Street area. After Scobey's passing, Gary utilized his unique night club experience, to enter Chicago's exciting nightlife scene full time, opening the Hotsie Totsie at 8 E. Division in the late 1960's. During it's heyday, the nautical themed tavern Gary created was a late night safe haven for Chicago's visiting theatre and nite club community. Celebrities and stage crew housed in nearby hotels found the club a must during the runs of their various shows at the Shubert, Auditorium and other downtown theatres. Colorful regulars from all walks of life created a daytime customer base, passing the torch to Rush & Division Street revellers and bar industry personal in the wee hours. Gary's often hustled demeanor was legendary, his lengthy experience giving him a keen eye on how to run a tight ship, retiring in 1996. Comedian Tom Dreesen is quoted: ''If there was a Hall of Fame for saloon owners, Gary would be in it for no other reason than he holds the record for throwing out more customers than he served.'' A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, May 21 at 11 a.m. at Grotto on State. 1030 N. State Street. Chicago, IL. For information call 312-296-0583.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Eight Track Dave.
Resti in peace. Missing your kindness and hospitality.
Gayle Miitchell
May 7, 2023
I fell for Gary in Elementary School in Lafayette, CA. His jacket said Gary on the back. He was so cute; looked like Boy in the Tarzan movies. I knew him well until he left California.
RIP my friend. Alyce Mason
Alyce Mason Walberg
Friend
March 16, 2019
tu hermana de corazon desde Buenos Aires Argentina.te extraño mucho en esta fecha del cunpleaños de nuestro padre silvio siempre estas presente en nuestro house de punta chica and house gran cayman se que estas en tu propio paraíso y algún día nos volveremos a encontrar...KATRINA
April 9, 2014
Very sorry to hear Gary passed I worked with him at the Walton club and at Hennessy s also when I got into the vending I took care of his juck
Box at the hotsie when I worked with him at the Walton club I thought I died and went to playboy heaven when the bunnies got off work the all came there for a drink if the owner of the club told me to work there for no pay I would have tips were great Love you Gary and will miss you thank you for everything you taught me at 21years of age
Dino RIKOS
March 25, 2013
Greetings all. We have created a Facebook Tribute page to Gary & his legendary tavern.
Go to "Hotsie Totsie Yacht Club and Bait Shop" once you are logged on to Facebook.
Hundreds of pictures & stories from over the years. Enjoy, Eight Track Dave.
David Zornig
November 23, 2010
hmmm.... it's too quiet in here!
Marcel Didier
December 15, 2009
No wonder the internet did not lead me to Gary's current address, nor did any of the phone numbers in my possession ..... what a shock to learn of his passing 3.5 years after the fact..... I did not know Gary that well except for contact via his dad Silvio with whom I had extensive business dealings in Argentina since 1968.... I did spend quite a few moments at the Hotsie Totsie, and Gary and his dad were guests at my home several times..... I happened to be in Buneos Aires when Gary's little brother died in a horrendous car accident. Silvio changed on that day for ever. Gary and I met once in Buenos Aires to visit his dad in the hospital.
Gary, like his dad, lived a good life, played it well and enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
Can St Peter handle two De Angelis characters up there?
Marcel Didier
September 28, 2009
Our friend, our ear, our mentor & peer. Thank you to all who attended our service for Gary, and for passing along their kind thoughts.
David Zornig
May 22, 2006
There will never be another Hotsie nor will there be anyone like Gary.
TBone
May 20, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Gary's family and friends. Gary was a true gentleman.
John from Millies Tavern
John Joyce
May 20, 2006
Ice water Gary, not fly swatter. RIP
Kevin Bray
May 19, 2006
Not only did I have many a good times in the Hotsie Totsie I also worked for Gary. He was a very interesting and quirky man and will be missed by many.
Jenifer Conway (Bray)
May 19, 2006
I will miss you, 'Silk'. You opened my heart with Ben and it was yours ever since. Say hi to Bud for me. Adios
Karen Halper
May 19, 2006
Sorry to see Gary pass. He was a good man who knew how to make everyone else feel good. We've lost a treasure which is not replaceable.
Stan Rosenstock
May 18, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
carol tokowitz robertoh kowalzyk
May 18, 2006
gary was a neighbor and friend he married a friend of mine"ellie" I will never forget the many times he helped me when I needed a friend.
sharon donofrio
May 18, 2006
He never let me dance. RIP old boy.
Regular Trent
May 18, 2006
Regular Trent
May 18, 2006
Gary identified with the night life on Rush Street more than any person I know. His knowledge of people and their behavior was insight that would be valuable to professionals in all walks of life. As a saloon owner he was a psychologist, policeman, doctor, lawyer and of course, a great entertainer. He will be missed by those of us who had the pleasure to know him. Ring the bell Gary, you're home!
Kerry Polizzi
May 18, 2006
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