09/09/2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Marjorie Eileen Amighetti, who left us peacefully in her sleep on September 8 at the age of 97.
Growing up in central Illinois during the Great Depression, Marge learned resilience and determination from her parents. Her father worked the land as a tenant farmer on land owned by George J. Mecherle, founder of State Farm Insurance. Her family was also close with the Belt family, who built Steak 'n Shake from the ground up. From both, she drew lessons of hard work and bold vision—qualities that shaped her own entrepreneurial path.
In 1969, she created what became St. Louis’ signature sandwich, the Amighetti’s Special. She spent eight months perfecting the recipe, testing it with St. Ambrose students until they declared it a winner. As she often said with a smile, “I did something right.”
Her creativity, passion, and determination were instrumental in the growth of Amighetti’s. To this day, the flavors she crafted continue to bring joy to generations of St. Louisans. Known affectionately as “Fiesty,” a nickname from her father, Marge always said, “Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco; I left mine on The Hill.” Her life was proof of the words she lived by: “Trust in God, believe in yourself, and dare to dream.”
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, we invite you to honor her memory by sharing a story, a meal, or a moment that reminds you of her and the community she helped to build.
