Ernest "Ernie" W. Dempsey

Ernest (“Ernie”) W. Dempsey, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age of 85. Loving husband of the late Peggy Jo Dempsey; beloved son of the late John and Agnes Dempsey; devoted father of Tom (Molly) Dempsey, Anne (Kevin) Lersch, and Mary (James Sanders) Dempsey; cherished grandfather of Meaghan, Abby, Jack Dempsey, and Adam Lersch; dear brother of Dorothy (Alton) Jones; brother-in-law of Lois Toigo; and survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends. Ernie is also preceded in death by his siblings Jeanette (T.A.) Hinkle, Johnny (Shirley) Dempsey, Elizabeth (Bill) Shivers, Henry (Dean) Dempsey, and Fredrick (Carolyn) Dempsey.

Ernie proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Afterward, he landed in St. Charles through a partnered program with McDonnell-Douglas. He started working at Pio’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge as a manager in the mid-1960’s and took over the business after Pio Pedrucci, his then father-in-law, retired in 1983. Through the years, Ernie could often be found in the back room at Pio’s discussing politics with his friends over lunch.

Ernie was a respected businessman and dedicated community leader who generously supported many organizations throughout St. Charles County. Ernie was a Charter Member of the Optimist Club, where he served as President in 1977 and 1978. He served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of St. Charles County, Enterprise Bank, and the Board of Public Works, among other organizations. He was also a member of VFW Post 2866, Civic Progress of St. Charles, and active in the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce where he was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1994. In 2019, Ernie was recognized as Missouri Restaurateur of the Year and received the Key to the City from then St. Charles Mayor Sally Faith. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Progress 64 West in 2019.

Above all, Ernie was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in his family and his community. Ernie was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made in Ernie’s name to Volunteers in Medicine of St Charles (volunteersinmedicinestcharles.org) or the Boys and Girls Club of St Charles (bgcstc.org).