Louis A. Chiodo, 65, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Monday morning, July 25, 2022, at his home with family at his side, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born July 29, 1956, in Warren, PA. Lou was the oldest of three sons of Mary Jane Chiodo and the late Frank R. Chiodo, Sr. He resided in Warren, PA., most of his life, except for a brief period in Kane, PA. He graduated from Warren Area High School Class of 1974. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from Duquesne University in 1979. He worked in several pharmacies in the Warren and surrounding areas during his career including the former Cowdrick’s Drug, Crone’s Drug, Temple Drug Stores and at the Warren State Hospital. Lou and his brother, Frank, opened an Italian Restaurant in Warren, called Chiodo’s Ferro Cucina, in 2001. They ran this business together for 21 years. He loved being the host and greeting all the customers as if they were family, walking in the door. Lou had a deep love of family and friends which was evident each day in the level of care, compassion, and commitment he displayed even through his own difficult challenges. He was passionate about spending time with his family, especially their family beach vacations, where he got to spend quality time with his wife, children, and beloved grandchildren. He loved to golf and played regularly in several leagues and tournaments with his close friends. He was passionate about hunting with his daughters, and teaching his grandson, all about deer hunting. Lou also enjoyed telling a good joke, to brighten someone’s day.
Lou is survived by his wife of 40 years, Karen Smith Chiodo, 2 Daughters – Angela Jerman, Christina Martin and her husband, Mike, 4 Grandchildren – Zach, Autumn, Colton and Madison, his mother, Mary Jane Chido Chiodo, 2 Brothers – Frank R. Chiodo, Jr., all of Warren, PA., Greg Chiodo and wife, Jacqueline LaWarre of Pittsburgh, PA., his mother-in-law, Donna Smith of Warren, PA., 1 Nephew – Anthony Chiodo, 2 Nieces – Brittany and Courtney Chiodo all of Pittsburgh, PA., 1 Aunt – Kathy Chiodo Zigler of Warren, PA., several cousins and his faithful companion, his beloved dog, Mister, also survive.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Tom Smith.
Family and friends will be received at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, July 28, 2022, from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Friday, July 29, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do through the U.P.M.C. Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA., 15213 or St. Joseph Church Educational Center Fund, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
So sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. Lou was a couple of years ahead of me in school and I graduated with his brother Frank. Always enjoyed his greetings at the restaurant. Prayers to his family.
Karen and family , I’m sorry to hear about Lou! I had many good times with him. I didn’t know he was sick so I was a bit surprised. Prayers and thoughts to you and family
This saddens us so very much. We loved all the good times , the wonderful meals and always the Hospitality going to Chiodo’s Cucina. What a wonderful family. We miss you, Lou.
Lou was a good neighbor and friend, and it was always a joy to see him out walking his little dog, who you knew was the boss of the family! We loved eating at the restaurant, where they always gave you a heaping helping of everything, and it was so good! Everyone there was so friendly. We will miss that. May The Lord wrap His arms around you in your times of sorrow, and so sorry for your loss.
Dear Greg,
Sincere sympathy to you and your family upon the loss of your brother. Although I did not know Louis his obituary portrays a man who will be greatly missed. May your strong faith and warm memories bring you comfort.
June
My sincere condolences to the Chiodo family. My friendship with Lou began our first year at Duquesne in 1975 when we were living in next door rooms at St Martins Hall. The music was loud and the good times rocked and rolled. We enjoyed 5 years of intense study and recreation. So many good times together.. parties, concerts, Steelers games and all around fun surrounded by book time and all-nighter study cram sessions As roommates we all enjoyed Lou’s cooking skills which undoubtedly was a family trait. Chicken cacciatore was a favorite. We had several road trips to Warren to enjoy more of mom and dad’s home cooking. Jeep excursions around the Kinzua dam. Will never forget when we came across that Albino deer in the forest. Many great memories of a life well lived hopefully give solace to your family. It was really good to speak with Lou several months ago to talk about his battle and offer prayers. Im so sorry for your loss and wish you peace and comfort moving forward.
So sorry to hear of Lou’s passing . He was a golf partner of mine. A great friend. Always made sure our meals were great at Chiodo’s Restaurant . Lou will be sadly missed by all who knew him. God bless his entire family.
As a family we send out condolences to the Chido Family.
James, Rich, Tony and Betty Nelson.
We send prayerful condolences to Lou’s loved ones.Beyond the wonderful meals & service at Chiodo’s,we always remember how Lou warmly greeted customers. and often
stopped at our table to chat for a few minutes.We will surely miss him.God Bless.
My condolences to the Chiodo family. I worked with Lou at Teddy’s in the 70s and we became good friends. Stopping in the restaurant was a must whenever I was in town.
Lou was one of the hardest workers I ever knew. Running a successful pharmacy and restaurant at the same time is an almost unbelievable accomplishment. He was the ultimate people person that was no different last time we talked, from the first time we met over 40 years ago. Lou loved what family and friends provided for him: a great life.
Best wishes to all- Don Thompson
Lou was a uniquely personable businessman with the ability of making you feel like family the moment that you walked through the door of his restaurant. He will most certainly be missed by his family, his friends, his employees and the residents of the Warren community. I requested that a mass be said for the repose of his soul which has been scheduled for October 25th at St. Joseph Church in Warren.
My thoughts and prayers coming to friends and family of “Big Lou” Chiodo. Lou was a great human being— always positive; and always seeing the glass half full. He was a great listener; and seemed to be always processing information. Lou loved life; and his grin and positive demeanor were infectious. Something that always struck me was Lou’s genuine concern for his fellow man. He saw inhumanity; and tried to project humanity. He saw sadness; and tried to bring happiness. And, he saw injustice; and did his best to bring justice. In short, behind the cantakerous glow in his his eyes, was an authentic human being. Lou may be gone, but his example(s) and spirit live on.
There is little one can say when the ugly head of death reappears. But, maybe this gentle salve of inspiration below, will help soothe the hurt.
” When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” Henri J.M. Nouwen, Dutch author and Catholic priest.
Again, my thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to Lou’s family and friends….
Sincerely,
Mike Lustri
Duquesne University
Speaking for all the men of St. Martin’s Hall – Ninth Floor – 1974
Very sad to learn about the passing away of Lou. He was one of the friendliest persons I ever met. When ever we were in Warren, my wife and I always chose Chiodo’s to eat. With Lou’s personality and Frank’s personality and cooking skills, it was like eating at my grandmother’s house. My God be with Lou’s family at this most difficult time.
Jerry Berardi & Anne Papalia
Lou was a Chiodo through and through. Friendly & kind with a strong work ethic. Anytime we had the opportunity to be around him, he brought happiness into our lives.
Our thoughts, prayers, sympathy and LOVE to the entire Chiodo family.
SO sorry for your loss,LOUIS was a great man and friend . Always loved seeing him at the Chiodos restaurant .HE always had a joke and a smile.
Our deepest condolences to the Chiodo family during this sad time. Lou and I have literally known each other our entire lives since we were born on the same day at Warren General Hospital. As kids, we played together at birthday parties and days at the lake. Our fathers worked together as pharmacists, and Lou and I followed their footsteps by rooming together for five years while attending Duquesne University Pharmacy School. During those years, we shared many days attending class and labs, complaining about cafeteria food, or playing Pong on his television. We spent many late nights studying, watching Charlie’s Angels – or more likely – drinking a few beers. No matter what we were doing, I learned through it all what a loyal and generous friend Lou was. He was a great leader and often the mastermind behind our numerous college pranks. His hearty laugh will always be one of my best memories of Duquesne. My wife Mary Lou was also lucky to spend most of her pharmacy school years enjoying Lou’s jokes and friendship. We were honored to have him as a groomsman. We lived in Warren for a bit after college and continued to share good times with Lou and Karen. Although physical distance separated us over the years, we stayed in touch. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner a few years back at his and Frank’s restaurant. It was so nice to see him warmly greeting guests and fulfilling his life-long dream of owning an Italian restaurant. I will miss Lou greatly, but will always have wonderful memories of the best roommate, friend, and birthday twin. May your family’s many wonderful memories comfort you all in this time of sorrow. Our love to you. Joe and Mary Lou Grotzinger
Dear Frank and family,
So sorry to learn of Lou’s passing. just when real “retirement “ was about to begin.
Many special occasions and delicious, relaxing meals were improved by Lou’s hospitality and friendliness. His was a life well lived!
Mary Jane and family, Ever since I learned of Louie dealing with cancer, i have prayed for his comfort. He truly was a wonderful person full of thoughtfulness and charm, just like his parents. Conarros send their condolences to his love ones. Sincerely, Mary Conarro
To the Chiodo family,
Our condolences to you on Lou’s passing. Our condolences as well to the staff at Chiodo’s. He will be missed by our community.
Frank, Karen and the entire family, my condolences and prays are with you. I am so sorry to read of Lou passing, he was a great person and a good friend. I have many great memories with Lou during his days in college and going to concerts and to many rounds on the golf course. I think he was meant to be the greeter at the restaurant. God bless.