Born on March 24, 1961 to Alexander and Rosemary (nee Catalina) Failoni. Survived by his siblings, Rosetta (Joe) Meiners, Victor (Stephanie) Failoni and Josephine (Ronald) Bass; his stepdaughter Jaime Scavatta and her children Kayla and Teddy; his nieces and nephews, Margaret (Michael) Kathalynas, Joey (Mariann) Meiners, Alex, John, Ronny, Victor, Victor Jr. and Rosemary; great nieces and nephews, Joe Joe, Carmella, and Alex Mario. Friend to many.
Alex was a CBC graduate of the class of 79′. He joined the family business, Failoni’s Restaurant in the 80’s. He was a great asset in so many ways. It was his idea to bring entertainment to Failoni’s early in the day on Thursdays, which started a tradition that has lasted for decades. His many gifts included cooking, bartender, he loved PR, and so well known for his singing. His Sinatra style singing was discovered in the mid 80’s. Vic said he still remembers getting a call while at college from his Mom saying that Alex had started singing and everyone thought he sounded like Sinatra. This amazing gift had him singing weekly with Tom Kelly and his mother Rosemary. He also sang at weddings, funerals, fundraisers etc. at other St. Louis venues and out of town. At Failonis. he amazed people how he could sing all while pouring cocktails. He eventually became owner and partner of Failoni’s with his brother Victor in 1991. In 2014, he followed another dream and successfully opened Uncle Leo’s Pizza with his nephew Joey. Alex found love with Michelle Jordan a few years ago. They had a special love and she was a constant before and after Alex’s cancer diagnosis. She was a constant in his life and was very devoted during his treatment and helped care for him until the very end. We appreciate all of the care she gave him. Alex’s baby sister Josie, took on a very important role during his illness. She not only took him to so many chemo and radiation treatments but she also made sure he had the very best care at home. She remained strong for all of us and made sure that we all knew how serious it had gotten so that we all would spend as much extra time with him as possible. Thank you Josie. Our brother Ron, also was a constant during this time. He loved and cared for Alex. He also made it possible for him to spend his last moments at home surrounded by family. He was always so humble. Thank you Ron! His Sister Rosetta, spent countless hours at his bedside doing whatever needed to be done. Our Mother Rosemary is so strong. Alex moved into her home during his illness and you can imagine the sadness she had to endure watching her son day in and day out but always remaining hopeful and strong for a better outcome. Even on some of the hardest days she always kept going at the restaurant. She is a true testament to strength and such an amazing role model for our family, a true Matriarch. Lastly, Alex had 2 very special loves in his life, his dogs Snickers and Mellow. They loved being by his side and surely miss him.
SERVICES: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois Tuesday, November 16 from 3-9 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church Wednesday, November 17 at 12 noon. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Backstoppers or Ronald McDonald House appreciated.
It is with deep sorrow that Alex has left this world to be with his father and past family
members and friends in heaven’s home for his final reststing place and will dearly be missed by family and friends and thoughts and memories he left us will be treasured in our hearts and prayers for his family through this sad time .RIP ALEX
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I miss you all but am so happy for the time I did get with Alex and the family. You all treated my mom and I like family and Alex… he was always there when needed. Love and prayers to all of you.
-Ash
Alex was one of those once in a lifetime people you meet and instantly become great friends. He treated everybody in the place like lifelong friends and always made you feel special. My heart goes out to his wonderful family as well as everyone who became “family” for he will truly be missed by all.
Alex and the entire Failoni Family my Prayers are with you.
My sincere condolences to the Failoni family. Alex was a great person and I thoroughly enjoyed knowing Alex. He always made the night when he would start singing, I will miss him. He is now singing from above. My prayers go out to the entire Failoni family.
There has not existed a kinder or more loving soul on earth and he was surely loved in return. He will be missed by so many, especially his devoted family. Wishing you all peace and comfort.
My sincere condolences to the Failoni family. Alex always made you feel like a million bucks when you went into Failoni’s…greeted with a “Hey Babe,” followed by a smile, a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. And that voice, he always sang “The Summer Wind” for me. I will miss him.
I was very sorry to hear of the loss of Alex. It was a pleasure to know him and he will be missed. My prayers are with the family. God Bless you all.
Alex your melodious voice will be missed and your friendly family will open their hearts to all. I’m glad to have counted you as my friend.
Our prayers are with Faloni Family. Alex and I met at CBC High School. He was the class ahead of me. He was always nice to everyone he met, he could always make you laugh even when you were down. God Bless You Al and thankyou for being my friend..
I am an old neighbor of the Failoni family and am saddened by the death of Alex. I can still clearly see the young Alex I remember running around in the yard across the street. Alex was always so friendly and smiling. While he was a little mischievous (in a good way) he was committed to watching after his younger brother and sisters. I will always will have fond memories of he, Rosetta and Victor. You couldn’t have better neighbors than the Failoni family. Mr & Mrs Failoni we’re always SO much fun. A high energy loving couple. Their love spilled across the street to bless my family too.
While I haven’t seen Alex or his family for many years, please know you meant a lot to the Patti family. Your impact on us remains a very positive influence even after all these years. Our most sincere condolences and love to all of you.
We had the pleasure of meeting Alex individually over 30 years ago and were immediately welcomed like family. Working across the street allowed us unlimited access to his talent, love and his remarkable family. We are honored to be part of this special group and send all our love to the Failoni family. He will be missed.
He will be missed !
A St Louis treasure has been lost! This will make quite an impact on thousands of people who have passed thru Alex’s life! He will be missed immensely by all who knew him.
To all of the Failoni family, Alex was one of a kind person. No matter how long the time between seeing him, he always had a hug a smile and offering anything he could do for us. His heart was big and full and always sharing. Our sincere sympathy to all of you with love and prayers.
My deepest condolences to Alex’s family. I am honored to have called Alex a friend. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Rest In Peace, dear Alex. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Failoni family
Alex you will be missed Paisan Prayers to you and all of your family. See you on the other side.
God bless. Alex will be missed dearly.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult of times.
The entire Lutz family sends our thoughts and prayers to the Failoni Family. He was a great friend and very much like a brother to me. I will never forget our times in St. Louis with Alex and the entire family. Those memories with him will last forever.
Wishing all peace and comfort in this stressful and sorrowful time. Thank you for sharing Alex with us all.
My sincere condolences to the Failoni family. Alex was always such a kind and friendly man. I have many great pics and memories of times spent laughing, dancing and listening to him sing. My ex-husband Robert Aromando sends his condolences as well but unable to attend the services. Keeping the family in my prayers.
We extend our sincere condolences to all of the Failoni family. Alex lived by the Christian Brothers motto to “Touch Hearts”. His life is a testimony to that ideal. May God bless you all. Live Jesus in our hearts.
Uncle Alex,
Your presence will be missed every single day. It’s hard to imagine someone as bulletproof as you being gone… but here we are. Cancer took you from us but your memory will live on forever.
I’ll never forget sitting on the bar at Failonis as a little girl, watching football with you, Otis and Uncle Vic. I cherish those times with you and your family so much. You will forever be one of the best hug-givers ever!!! Your love for singing brought so much joy to this world. We will miss you. Until we meet again… xoxox
Our prayers to the Failoni family during this difficult time. We feel so lucky that Alex was a small part of our life. No matter if you walked into Failonis or Uncle Leos he would greet me with his infectious smile, a hi babe, a hug and kiss on the cheek. He always made you feel like family. My husband and I will truly miss him.
We will miss your ready smile and the welcome hugs. The heavenly choir has gained another voice and will be all the sweeter.
Sending prayers of love and strength to your beautiful family, and to the extended Failoni’s family who will all be thinking about you.
So very sorry for the heartache and loss of your family member Alex. It’s been a hard year as I lost my husband in March.
Stay strong and May God be with you all in the very difficult time.
The Lobstein family sends hugs from afar and prayers to all of you as we join in your loss but celebrate the life that Alex embraced. Know that we hold each of you in our hearts as we too shed some tears of sadness, but also know that Alex is no longer in pain.
God love you all.
Our condolences to the Failoni family. Alex was always a true friend and I knew when I brought my partners friends and family in that we were in for a great time! You will never be forgotten my friend! Rest In Peace! Gerry and Linda Davis
My condolences to the entire Failoni Family on the passing of this truly Great Man.
I have known Alex for over 30 years. He was a kind, considerate, generous Human Being whose absence will certainly create a void in all of our lives.
Rest In Peace My Friend.
Myles McDonnell
My heart was torn yesterday when I read the obituaries. It was then I understood why Alex wasn’t at Failoni’s when I was last there some six months ago. I assumed he had a night off. If only I’d known. The fact that cancer took him has a deep irony for me. Some 16 years ago, after my wife died of cancer, I finally couldn’t bear the silence in our home any longer. Someone suggested Failoni’s to me, so I wandered down there one Thursday evening. I sat alone at the bar and just watched the whole thing unfold. I talked a bit with Alex and then a bit more. I returned again and again over several years as I dealt with the grief of loss and little by little, Alex and the Failoni family helped nudge me back toward the sunlight. Bit by bit, I found a little joy again listening to Alex sing and seeing the enthusiasm of the crowd. Over time I met Rosemary, Rosetta and the rest, all wonderful people. I thanked Alex over the years, but want to do so here publicly. Had I known he was battling, I would have been there. I’m sorry. So, if I can offer one bit of condolence, it is to the family and friends: Always remember that Alex is not really gone. He has simply gone ahead. I hope the family’s journey to find peace will be a brief one.
Sincere condolences to the entire Failoni family. Alex Jr. had a personality that would fill and light up a room. Our many Blues staff lunches were always made so special by the Failonis. We felt like family there. I always think of Alex when I hear a Sinatra song. He was a gift to those who knew him. RIP
My heart sank when I heard of Alex’s passing. He was a wonderful, friendly, talented and honorable man who will be tremendously missed. His spirited performances, huge smiles, and kind heart will long be remembered. The devotion of his family and the joyful way all speak of him is the legacy of a gentle soul whose life was well lived. Rest In Peace Sweet Alex. Sincere condolences to Rosemary. Rosetta, Victor, Jo, Michelle, and the entire family.
I had the pleasure of growing up across the street from Alex and the Failoni family. Since I can remember Alex was always a character, always had a great smile and could always make me laugh. This is a terrible loss for the Failoni family and everyone who grew close to Alex over the years. The sorrow expressed in all of the comments posted here are a testament to Alex and how he shared his genuine hospitality with anyone who entered the restaurant, his sense of humor and, of course, his wonderful voice. God’s speed old friend. See you on the other side.
To the Failoni family our heart hurts for the journey you have to go on. Sending many prayers to endure this loss. Alex will live forever in our memories
Danny and Bridget Amann
Alex, thank you for everything You were always good for a big hug, huge smile and if lucky a song! Someday, my friend, we’ll do that again. Rest in peace Alex. Prayers for your wonderful family and hundreds of friends.
My thoughts & prayers go out to the Failoni Family. Alex was a amazing person. I was always greeted with a big smile & hug coming into the bar. He will surely be missed! To all his family & friends. Keep the memories close to your heart. ❤️
Alex was truly one of a kind. He was my friend and confidant. I will see you around Alex.
Move over Frank Sinatra, or at least pull up a chair, when you were around Alex he brighten up the room with his huge smile and a hard handshake, always a family man, especially to his mother and father! You will be missed, Sincerely Peter Bengimina
My deepest sympathies to the Failoni family. Rest In Peace Alex. You will be missed.
I cant remember a single time in 45 years Alex did not have a smile on his face, He always had a hug or a kind word. He was a product of his family and the love they all share. We are better for knowing him. I pray we will remember him with joy and laughter, and a little kindness for those around us. Trying to live the Alex way.
God has another beautiful voice to join His heavenly choir. We will miss your smile and kindness.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of dear Alex! The Failoni’s have always been a second family to my dad, Eddie Boyer. I know they are together once again in heaven. So many memories to cherish! Love and prayers to all of you!
Sad to be going to visitation fo Alex. It means I must recognize his death and that means an era has passed for his family, for people of St Louis, and for me as well.
I spent many hours at the Failoni house growing up, and I am so saddened by this. Alex always had a way to make you feel welcome. To Mrs. Failoni, Rosetta, Victor, JoMarie–please accept my deepest condolences. Know that Alex and all of you, including your dad, touched so many lives in such a positive way. My prayers are with all of you and the rest of your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of him as the singing bartender! Everyone will miss him… But his presence will always be felt in Filoni‘s.
We are so sorry for your loss. The Failoni family has certainly lost a big heart in their family. Hopefully, all of these wonderful tributes and your own loving memories will bring you comfort at this time. With our deepest sympathies.
So very sorry for your families loss. Alex was a great guy and wonderful singer he will be missed by so many. May he Rest In Peace.
Many sincere superlatives have been said about Alex ! Yes you can be sure he ” Did It My Way ” !!!
So sad to hear of the passing of Alex. He was a great guy and he will be missed! He had the charm and the voice! God bless the Faloni family and may God give you peace and comfort as you confront this unbearable loss.
Sincere condolences and prayers.
Terry & Lisa McManus
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I didnt know Alex well but when I saw him he always made me feel so comfortable and welcome.
You are a friend to everyone you meet. We’ve been friends for many years. We always had a great time. No matter if we were fixing a unit or just sitting around the bar. You are and will forever be missed my friend.
My sympathy and deepest regrets to your family.
For all niece’s and nephew’s Alex always talked about how proud he is of you.
My deepest condolences for all of you
My deepest condolences to Alex’s family. What a shining star! May your memories with him forever stay in your hearts
We will miss his manly hugs and sincere welcomes whenever we saw him. He lived life fully
and persevered. Our prayers are there for him and the Failoni family.
My heart breaks for the Failoni family and all who loved Alex. He was an awesome guy. Sending my love to you and praying that all your memories, and there are a lot, help you through this difficult time.
Jim and Mary Martin: we met Alex as a young bartender at Peter D’s downtown and followed him to Failoni’s. we were all blessed by his presence and kindness
To the Failoni Family, My sincere condolences for the loss of Alex. He always gave me a big hug when I walked in the door. He was such a kind man who befriended my handicapped husband at the Circke K in Affton. We will miss him always. God Bless
Rosemary and family. So sorry for your loss. Love from Kansas City.
So sorry for your loss. My husband Dick Schulte was a classmate of Alex Sr. His family was special to him and me. So sorry for your loss.
Such a wonderful man & friend to everyone who knew him, The same can be said about his close family. His journey is now complete. Everyone will miss him for sure.
Alex, you are amazing and will so be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My best friend I never met
I just found out about this. I would have paid my respects if I had known earlier this week. I see that Amy commented, but I think I should say, when I worked at Copying Concepts everyone loved Failoni’s and Alex. I remember him singing. Always keep singing. Music can lift you up at the darkest times. I guess he knew that, too.
The Boat crowd….Thursdays 1:00..Took off work and partied at Failoni’s Alex sang and we all loved him. Happy memories….and many people fell in love there. He is one of the best souls…ever. RIP Dear Alex…God loves you and yours. We talked about that …Always in our hearts…
My best friend of many years. You were so good to so many. We will all missy our! Rest In Peace brother. Till we meet again.
Alex was a talented, amazingly generous person. We couldn’t wait to bring Ed’s mother, Rosalie, to hear Alex sing like Frank Sinatra after we heard him for the first time. He was so good, Rosalie insisted Alex was lip syncing Frank’s songs!! Alex eventually came over to sing just for Rose; her eyes grew huge when she realized it truly was Alex’s gorgeous voice.
Our family and friends celebrated Ed’s 50th birthday at Failoni’s, and it was a BLAST! Alex and the Failoni’s always made their customers feel like family.
We wish you belated condolences on your huge loss. Alex was a gift to so many of us.