Dennis Michael Chiodini

Chiodini, Dennis Michael

March 14, 1950 - October 2, 2023 Dennis Chiodini, loving husband to his wife Robyn of 52 years; loving father, grandfather and uncle passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2023 at the age of 73.

Dennis is survived by Robyn Chiodini, his wife and soul mate of 52 years as well as their 4 children and 9 grandchildren: Jason (Mia, Gavin and Bryce), Michelle (Charley, Dane & Cole), Nicholas, Cory & husband Michael (Samantha, Deklin & Kendall), "Papa" will be greatly missed by all. Dennis is also survived by his brother Mark Chiodini and was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Edna Chiodini, sister Beverly Hilts and brother Angelo Chiodini.

A proud Italian American, Dennis was born and raised on "The Hill" in St. Louis, Missouri where along with his brother Angelo, opened the nationally renowned restaurant and local landmark, Zia's "on the Hill". His legacy leaves so much more than his iconic eatery, however.

From his childhood on The Hill to building his forever home in his beloved Eureka, Dennis and Robyn built a life and a love story like no other. With Robyn by his side, coupled with his love for the food he grew up eating and his most important job of providing for a young family, he was driven to open a restaurant that has changed the way St. Louisans eat for nearly 4 decades. He shared those same "Hill favorites" with hundreds of thousands of people from around the World. There were few things that made him happier than going into the restaurant to see the guys in the kitchen and the rest of the Zia's family; many of whom have been there since the beginning.

Dennis never craved the spotlight. He chose to shine it on others with his own small gestures to let them know he was proud or there to help if they were in need. His generosity and willingness to help anyone was one of his greatest attributes.

Dennis loved playing music loudly while speeding down Northrup Ave in one of his race cars; though Fleetwood Mac concerts with Robyn were his favorite. He had an incredible sense of humor and anyone who knew him could sit for hours listening to tales of he and his childhood friends, his many great fishing trips, or the countless adventures he shared with Robyn since they were teenagers in love.

He was an exceedingly loving father who sacrificed everything he had to give his children the opportunity to chase their own dreams anywhere they led them; whether just down the street or across the country. Dennis became known as "Papa" once his grandchildren began to come into his life. Papa was the light of his 9 grandchildren's lives, he shared a very special bond with each of them in his own way that they will always carry with them in their lives.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the many lives he touched along the way.

Services: Visitation will be held on October 10, 2023 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on the Hill, 5130 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110, from 9 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.