Ernest W. "Ernie" Dempsey

Ernest W. “Ernie” Dempsey of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 85.

A loving husband to his late wife Peggy Jo Dempsey, Ernie was the devoted father of Tom (Molly) Dempsey, Anne (Kevin) Lersch, and Mary (James Sanders) Dempsey. He was the cherished grandfather of Meaghan, Abby, Jack Dempsey, and Adam Lersch. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Alton) Jones, sister-in-law Lois Toigo, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes Dempsey, and his siblings Jeanette (T.A.) Hinkle, Johnny (Shirley) Dempsey, Elizabeth (Bill) Shivers, Henry (Dean) Dempsey, and Fredrick (Carolyn) Dempsey.

Ernie proudly served in the United States Navy before settling in St. Charles through a program with McDonnell-Douglas. In the mid-1960s he began managing Pio’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, taking over the business in 1983 after his father-in-law, Pio Pedrucci, retired. For decades he could often be found in the back room at Pio’s, sharing meals and lively political discussions with friends.

A respected businessman and dedicated community leader, Ernie generously supported numerous organizations throughout St. Charles County. He was a charter member and past president of the Optimist Club, served on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of St. Charles County, Enterprise Bank, and the Board of Public Works, and was active in the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, Civic Progress, and VFW Post 2866. Among many honors, he was named St. Charles Citizen of the Year in 1994, Missouri Restaurateur of the Year in 2019, and received the Key to the City and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Progress 64 West.

Above all, Ernie was a proud and loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.