Steve Saia, 83, manager of Gino’s Steakhouse in Harvey for more than three decades, died Saturday, Jan. 6., of lung cancer in Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. His friendly, mellow nature led many to affectionately refer to him as “Steve from Gino’s.” “Everybody knew him, from Ernie Banks to the congressman and movie stars,” said his wife, Irene. A Chicago Heights native, Mr. Saia entered the restaurant business as owner and operator of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Chicago Heights in the 1940s. He then worked at Joe’s Thornridge in Thorton and the Lakewood Club in Sauk Village before joining Gino’s in 1965. Mr. Saia retired in December 1999. The restaurant business suited him because he loved people. “He was genuinely blessed with one of the most sincere personalities,” his wife said. Other survivors include a daughter, Nadine Rouse; three sons, Steven Saia, Dennis Grotte and Edward Grotte; asister, Lillian; two granddaughters; and three grandsons. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th St., Chicago Heights. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 700 E. 170th St., South Holland.
