Frank Olivieri Sr., former Pat's King of Steaks owner, dies at 87

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The former longtime owner of Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia is being remembered following his death on Sunday.

Frank Olivieri Sr., 87, was the son of Harry Olivieri and the nephew of Pat Olivieri - the brothers who were the original owners of Pat's.

Frank Olivieri started working at the shop in the late 1950s and became the co-owner in 1968, helping carry forward the family legacy for decades.

His son now runs the family business.

"The legacy of what my dad passes on to me is what his dad and my uncle Pat said to them, which is, 'Don't ever put something on the grill that you wouldn't feed to your family.'" recalled his son, Frank E Olivieri, who took over the business in the mid 90s.

Olivieri Sr. died over the weekend after an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

"He was a piece of work. He was brilliant with numbers. He was a stickler. He couldn't fix anything. I think that's why he had me as a child, so I could fix things for him," said his son.

Olivieri Sr. was a son of South Philadelphia and met his wife of 65 years, Ritamarie, in grade school. She spotted him first.

"I said, 'You know, what, I'm gonna marry him someday," recalled Ritamarie.

They were married in Saint Monica Parish and had three children.

Pat's King of Steaks has been open since 1930 at the intersection of South 9th and Wharton streets at Passyunk Avenue.

On Tuesday, his son made a steak sandwich in honor of his dad, the way he'd take it -- no cheese.

"Spicy mustard and relish. This one's for you dad," said Frank E Olivieri.

A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Baldi Funeral Home on South Broad Street. A prayer service and memorial tribute will follow.