Dean G. Chininis

Dean George Chininis, 69, died Sunday, July 23, 2017 at home in St. Louis, Missouri after battling pancreatic cancer.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife of 29 years, Ann (Schwarz), his children Jennifer Scovell Chavez (Son-in-law Michael Chavez), Nicholas and Jeffrey Chininis, two grandchildren, Henry “Dean” and Lewis Chavez, his mother-in-law, Gloria Schwarz, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dean was the son of Matilda Kaplanis Tolar and George Chininis and brother of Peter Chininis.

After graduating from Thomas Edison High School in San Antonio and the University of Houston, Dean began his exploration of life. Dean traveled extensively, eventually living in Aspen, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix, Lake Ozark, and St. Louis. In the hotel business for 35 years, he valued tradition, service and relationships and was thankful for every opportunity offered.

Married in 1987, Dean cherished his wife, children and grandchildren feeling he was the luckiest man in the world to be called husband, dad and papou.

Dean will be remembered for his love of golf, especially the history, honesty and beauty of the game.

His friends and family will remember him for his loyalty, generosity and his undeniable charm. Dean was always smiling and offering warmth to those around him.

Services: Memorial Mass at St. Clement Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Friends of SLU Liver Center at (friendsoftheslulc.org) or Heartland Hospice at (HeartlandHospiceFund.org)

13 Comments

  1. Anne McGovern on July 25, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    The warmest,kindest most gentlest soul. I will miss my dear,fun friend.



  2. Jim Gamble on July 25, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    I met Dean when our son’s were freshmen Beta’s at Mizzou. I’m pretty sure we played in the “father/son” golf tournament at least twice! Dean’s joy of life was contagious. Always happy… always smiling! Our family is blessed to have known Dean Chininis. Our deepest condolences to Ann, Jennifer, Nicholas & Jeff. Jim, Betsy & Joey Gamble



  3. Laura and Jeff Heutel on July 25, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    Ann and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Dean was such a nice wonderful man. Our prayers are with you and your family.



  4. Cynthia Patterson on July 25, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Dean was one of the nicest men you could ever meet. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Ann and the rest of the family.
    May God Bless and keep you.
    Cynthia Patterson



  5. Mark DeYoung on July 26, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    I met Dean less than 4 years ago but it seems we have been friends much longer. We played golf together in 2013 with our sons, and he extended an invitation to his home the same day we met – such a warm and generous person. We will miss him dearly. Our prayers are with Dean and his family.



  6. Christie Sparrow on July 28, 2017 at 7:52 am

    He was a wonderful and kind man. God bless all of you.



  7. Ted Geiger on July 28, 2017 at 11:51 am

    The world has lost a wonderful man who always displayed warmth and love to others. Our sympathies to all the family on the loss of Dean…a friend to all that crossed his path in life. Ted and Joan Geiger



  8. Donald Myers on July 28, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    We are so sorry. Dean was my favorite GM. He had no equal, in a business that requires total commitment.



  9. Susan, Peter , Mark and Family on July 31, 2017 at 8:21 am

    We are so sorry for the loss of Dean and
    That terrible disease that dean and your
    family had to endure. Dean was always very kind happy and loved his family
    and his golf. Our thoughts and prayers
    Are there for Dean and your family



  10. Jeanne venn on July 31, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Dear Ann and family, our deepest condolences to you. Dean was one of the nicest, warmest gentleman I have ever had the privilege to know. Thinking of you and wishing you peace. Jeanne and David venn



  11. Carol Mingus on July 31, 2017 at 7:08 pm

    I am, so very, sorry for your precious loss. Dean was a wonderful man. I am sending prayers and much love, to his lovely family.



  12. Susan and Rand Mikulecky on August 3, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Ann, Nick and family:

    We were so saddened to hear of your loss recently via our son Max. We did not know Dean had battled cancer.
    We will smile at memories of your years with our boys together at BVN and KU- with a few gatherings at their house.
    Thinking of you all.
    Peace.



  13. Mark Wernick on September 13, 2017 at 9:51 am

    I remember Dean and his brother Peter from our days at Will Rogers elementary school in San Antonio. Both really good guys, and in particular I remember Dean for his model citizen character, which led the school teachers to make him a safety captain, the guy who told the other kids when to lift and lower the signs on the street corners that regulated the flow of traffic before and after school. I think Dean also may have been in my Cub Scout pack, where my mother was the den mother. (Or maybe that was Peter.) I remember that Dean was a good student, and a good guy. It’s sad to read about this. I offer my condolences to all his loved ones who mourn his loss.



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