Fertitta ‘touched lives’ of many

In the shadow of the casino he started his career in Las Vegas decades ago, Station Casinos founder Frank Fertitta Jr. was remembered Saturday as a humble family man driven by faith and dedication to community.

Fertitta came to Las Vegas almost 50 years ago knowing only two people in town. But hundreds of family members and friends came out Saturday to remember him at a Roman Catholic funeral Mass celebrated at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer on Reno Avenue, near Tropicana Avenue and the Strip.

The gaming executive died Aug. 21 following heart surgery a few weeks prior at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 70.

The Texas native made Las Vegas his home in 1960 when he began his career as a bellman at the Tropicana. From bellman to dealer and on to general manager of The Fremont Hotel, Fertitta climbed the industry ladder before opening The Casino in 1976, realizing his idea to operate a casino catering to locals.

That property on Sahara Avenue -- which became the Bingo Palace before being renamed Palace Station in the 1980s -- was the tinder that sparked his career as an executive at Station Casinos. Marquees at the now 18 Station properties across the Las Vegas Valley have been displaying messages in recent days honoring Fertitta.

"He was the same in adversity as in success," son Frank Fertitta III said during the eulogy. He shared light-hearted stories about his father's love of a good meal, a finely tailored suit and his perch on the sidelines of Bishop Gorman High School sporting events.

He said his father valued his family, daily attendance of Mass and participation in charitable endeavors. He was president of the Bishop Gorman High School Development Corporation, served on the Foundation Board of St. Jude's Ranch for Children and supported numerous other charities.

Frank Fertitta III called his father's move to Las Vegas a gamble, coming here on a $100 loan from a friend and knowing only an uncle and cousin living here.

"It's amazing to see so many people here 49 years later and how many lives he touched," he said.

Frank Fertitta III then surveyed the people in the pews before him. Those gathered included Gov. Jim Gibbons, Sen. John Ensign, Elaine Wynn of Wynn Las Vegas, Palms owner George Maloof Jr., Larry Ruvo, founder of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, talent manager Bernie Yuman, and Ultimate Fighting Chamionship president Dana White. Numerous Station employees, known to affectionately refer to Fertitta simply as "Mr. Fertitta," were in attendance as well.

"People wanted to work with him because he treated them with respect -- he was inclusive, he wanted their input," Frank Fertitta III said. "He believed that to whom much is given, much is expected in return."

Several mentions were made to Fertitta's love of Las Vegas and Elvis Presley's "If I Could Dream," which served as the final tune of the service.

Contact reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.