Lou Gentile

Lou Gentile, 92, of Steubenville, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Liza’s Place in Wheeling, WV after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Lou was a loving and supportive husband and father who always put his family first. He and his wife Carmella had an unbreakable bond lasting over 59 years. Together, they raised two children, forged deep relationships with their neighbors and have been active members of the Steubenville community for nearly a century. A compassionate and service-oriented person, Lou dedicated his life to helping others.

He instilled the same values in his children, Josette and Lou, who chose careers in service, following in his footsteps. Lou was a U.S. Army Veteran who served during the Korean War. Afterwards, he worked for Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and the City of Steubenville before earning his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the College of Steubenville. Lou worked for over 25 years at the Jefferson County Department of Human Services (Job and Family Services) finishing his career as the Assistant Director.

For years, Lou was active in Jefferson County Democratic Politics, volunteering for the successful campaigns of former Ohio Governor Dick Celeste and former Governor Ted Strickland. He was especially proud to support and advise his son, Former Ohio State Senator Lou Gentile, throughout his political career.

An avid runner, Lou was known for jogging in Mount Calvary Cemetery, he worked out on his punching bag and took his health seriously. He had a quick wit, a great sense of humor and enjoyed a great Italian family dinner on Sundays. Lou was the past President of the Jeffersonian Lodge Italian Village and a member of the Italian American Culture Club.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents Luigi and Matilda Gentile, siblings Pasquale (Patsy), Robert, Joanne and Edward.

He is survived by his wife Carmella D. Gentile (Coppa); his daughter, Josette Gentile (Ryan Drake) of Galena; his son Lou Gentile (Hollie Hinton) of Columbus, OH; and his sisters Yolanda Thomas of Wintersville and Mafalda Canella of Las Vegas, NV. Also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank all the caretakers who helped care for Lou and their family over the past year.

Calling hours are Friday from 10:00 am until the time of services at 1:00 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd. Steubenville. Entombment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Valley Hospice or IACC Campo Italiano.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com