Louis J. Tacchi Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on July 30, 1946, Lou lived a life rich in love, laughter, and dedication to his family and community.
Lou is survived by his adoring wife of 57 years, Barbara Tacchi (nee West), and their four daughters: Lisa (Joe) Brinkmann, Gina (John) Hart, Maria (Jeff) Baumgartner, and Katie Niemeyer. He was a proud grandfather and Pop to thirteen grandchildren: John(Amy), Joe(Julia), Jessie (Rich), Kelsey (Stephen), Jacob, Emily, Korey, Brandon, Olivia, Brock, Sarah, Bennett and Tucker, and a cherished great-grandfather to Ivy, Jack, Emma, Jett, Jade, Ace, Connor, Mila and James. He is survived by his brother Gene (Susie), sister Patty, and his brother from another mother, Mike Marino.
For 45 years, Lou worked as an electrician with IBEW Local #1, collaborating alongside his father at Schaeffer Electric. Throughout his career, he contributed to numerous significant projects, including the Village North Retirement Complex in North County, which was his largest undertaking in terms of both area and manpower. Lou installed thousands of lights on the Barnes Hospital bridge, lovingly referred to as “Dad’s Bridge” by his family, and played a vital role in restoring St. Anthony of Padua Church following a devastating fire. Renowned for his impeccable wiring and attention to detail, Lou left his unique signature on every project. This signature can be found on many electrical panels hidden within the depths of St. Louis.
A passionate aviation enthusiast, Lou dedicated 35 years to the Commemorative Air Force at the Missouri Wing, where he found camaraderie among fellow volunteers. He spent countless Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the hangar, working on aircrafts, building the O-club, organizing air shows and clean up and restoration after the flood. He cherished sharing this passion with his grandsons, imparting knowledge about aviation history and the importance of craftsmanship.
Lou’s friendships were a cornerstone of his life. He held a special bond with his Epiphany community, which spanned over 50 years. Together, they enjoyed annual family camping trips, softball games, backyard pig roasts, and cherished moments at the Lake of the Ozarks. These friendships endured through the years, with monthly lunches keeping the spirit of friendship alive.
An avid craftsman, Lou transformed the home he purchased in 1977 into a beautiful oasis, meticulously remodeling every room and creating custom furniture pieces, including hope chests and cradles for each of his daughters. His vision and dedication turned a solid but humble house into a warm and welcoming home for his family.
Above all, Lou was a man of immense love and generosity. He embraced many who crossed his path, welcoming them into his heart and home as family. Each person, or stray as he liked to call them, held a special place in his life, and his kindness and support will forever be remembered.
Lou Tacchi’s legacy of love, craftsmanship, and friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A celebration of his life will be held at Commemorative Air Force (Smartt Field) on April 5th at 11:00am, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Commemorative Air Force – Missouri Wing or The American Heart Association in Lou’s memory’s.
If you plan to attend, we ask that you rsvp in the link below so we can better plan. Thank you.
Dear Tacchi Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Lou’s passing. Having worked under Lou for many years at Schaeffer Electric, I can attest to his exceptional mentorship and friendship. His extensive knowledge, unwavering support, and vibrant personality left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to work with him. Lou’s presence will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.
With heartfelt condolences,
Dave Bradley
Thank you so much for your kind words. My dad was one of a kind.
Dear Barb and Family ,
We are so sad to hear of Lou’s passing . He was a wonderful friend and will be forever missed !
All our love and prayers ,
Gary and Debbie
Mandrell
Thank you so much, Debbie, for your kind words. My dad was one of a kind.
Oh my, I thought I was going to have so much more time with you, Dad!!! I was not ready. No where close. I love you for every ounce of who YOU were and what YOU stood for. Thank you for our one on one talk they day before you left us, I will never forget your words. They warmed my heart and made me truly know where i was in your heart and mind. There will not be a day that you aren’t on my mind and guiding me. My heart will forever have a missing piece and that is okay because no one can EVER fill your place in my heart. Love you to the moon, forever and always. Thank you for being the one to teach me what LOVE truly is. Until we meet again…..and one day WE WILL!!!!
#tacchistrong
#wyattlee
What a beautiful obituary for someone who must have been a beautiful man. I don’t think I every met Lou, but, heard about him from my brother and others at Schaeffer Electric. I’m honored that he worked for us.
With sympathy,
Carolyn Schaeffer Conboy
Thank you so much for your kind words. My dad was one of a kind.
So sorry for your loss of Lou may he Rest In Peace May god watch over his family
Thank you so much, Joyce.
So sorry for your loss. I remember Lou from all the Epiphany days from coaching softball to the ESA and The Good enough construction crew helping people of Epiphany parish. It was a pleasure working with you on many parish activities something I will always remember. Rest in Peace Lou. Tom & Mary Ann Moore
Thank you Tom, he was forever a fixture at Epiphany. We were so blessed to have him so involved.
SO SORRY but so glad you have a beautiful village to support you all! You have always been an amazing family❗️
Diane, THANK YOU for your kind words!! ♥️
Lou was a really good man and will be greatly missed out at the hangar. I am proud to have called him my friend for almost 20 years. Wish it could have been for another 20 years.
Thank you for your kind words.
Gud-E-Nuf Construction : what can I say! Lou and the gang ! So many stories , so many outings, so many wild and crazy parties! What happen in the Ozarks, Piedmont, camping trips, on your beautiful deck , Christmas , when Santa and Mrs. Claus visited ; will stay in our hearts forever ! Lou , you will definitely never be forgotten! When Klagert passed, you took me to the side and said you will always be a part of the gang , few of us have lost our loves since, and you always made us feel welcomed! Same Barb for you, you will always be part of the gang! 💕
❤️ This gang holds more memories than most people have in a lifetime. I’m forever grateful for the friendships you all hold because these carried on through all of us kids. My most cherished memories growing up was being with the gang whether we were camping or at someone’s house after softball games. The friendships the kids formed because our parents were friends is priceless. Times change but our memories will carry us through our lives.
Lou was an icon both to the CAF and his family. He was a role model to myself and to many others. He was a craftsman beyond compare and, more importantly, a true friend to many. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
Thank you Bill. Your words are so true. A craftsman beyond compare is a perfect description. We are blessed with some of his woodwork that he made for each of us individually. So blessed.
Heartfelt condolences to you Gina and your family. Your Dad welcomed me (as a new Air Force member) into your home and made me feel part of your family…… while a lifetime ago, I will always cherish the kindness that he and your family had for that young airman!
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. He was a special man for sure and has left a legacy while touching so many people.
Blessings from afar.
Joe “Pizz”
Thank you Joe. That was a lifetime ago but he loved that I brought my friends home from the AF. He loved the military and respected all who served. Thank you for the kind words.
One of the first guys I met when I joined the CAF was Lou. We developed a friendship which I will remember forever. People like him don’t come along very often..Blue sky’s and fair winds my friend.
Beautiful Words!!!! Thank you!
I have three lasting and specific memories of Lou at the field. One beautiful Saturday morning, he and I dashed down to the road at the end of the runway to capture a head-on shot of Show Me during a training takeoff. They knew we were there. They came straight at us, and both Lou and I jumped into the ditch while the camera remained on its tripod. It was a great shot, and we both laughed about it for years. Secondly, he recently gave me one of his hand-crafted B-25 gunsights; and many years ago I got one of his R-2600 Show Me display cylinders. I still use it as a model reference, and both are in my permanent collection. They frequently remind me of Lou and the sunny days we enjoyed at Smartt Field.
These memories……i can’t imagine my dad jumping….. are you sure you didn’t push him into that ditch? 😊 Thank you so much for sharing!
Oh, yes, we both moved pretty quickly in that instance. I’ll never forget it, or him.
Dear Barb and Family,
Truly sad news to hear of Lou’s passing, so many good memories of working with Lou at Schaeffer Electric over the years. One of my earliest memories is working as an apprentice for Lou jr. at a Hazelwood Central school expansion in the late 70s. Lou was so gifted at “plan your work – then work your plan“. Also, Lou was a true master at bending and installing conduit and would teach the trade to all who wanted to learn..
I smile when I think of Lou who loved to have early morning coffee with his dad on many Saturday mornings, his love for John Wayne, Happy Days and his deep respect for military veterans. Lou jr. (along with his dad)
is one of the great cornerstones of Schaeffer Electric and has inspired many in the trade and others to be a better craftsman and a better person. Sincerely, C.P. Schaeffer.
Charlie, my dad was one of a kind, and was very proud of his meticulous work with wiring. He always talked about how people see your working the impression it makes on you. Thank you for sharing the memories and remembering so much about him, that says so much about the person WE knew him to be. A special man…..is truly an understatement.
Charlie, my dad was one of a kind, and was very proud of his meticulous work with wiring. He always talked about how people see your working the impression it makes on you. Thank you for sharing the memories and remembering so much about him, that says so much about the person WE knew him to be. A special man…..is truly an understatement.
My deep condolences to the Tacchi Family. Lou will be missed. Rest in Peace and join in heaven with your Mom and Dad and your brother Kevin.
Paul, I imagine Kevin running to his Big Brother. 🥰
To the Tacchi family. Your dad and mom truly special people.
My heart is with you. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love you all..
Roger Hale.
Thank you so much. Love you
So much talent and knowledge in one father, friend and volunteer. Lou will be greatly missed.
To Lou’s entire Family-
I just heard about the WAY TOO SOON passing of Lou (Mr. Tacchi). To say I’m beyond crushed to hear this is an understatement. Barb and Lou (Mrs. & Mr. Tacchi) were as close to perfect of a couple if there ever was one. I looked up to them like no other of my friends parents. Lou was a gentle giant. One of a kind good human, a man’s man, but the best girl Dad ever, and the best second Dad to all their friends. He was firm and strict, but I never ever heard him yell. I always felt he truly loved his life and family, and was a happy content person with a beautiful soul. He was definitely a Leo in the sense of taking charge and follow through, a gifted craftsman, an amazing electrician, just an all around intelligence when it came to anything mechanical. I loved listening to talk about many different things, especially his love for aviation. I too am a lover of aviation, so there are a lot of those memories flooding back at the moment. Lou was unique!!! I already missed him, now ‘m truly sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Blessings –
Lisa M. York-Reinhardt