Carlo Scotti

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carlo Scotti, 88, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and the sweetest soul to ever walk this earth.  Carlo went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Born in Naples, Italy, on March 14, 1937, to Giuseppe and Rosalda Scotti, Carlo lived through the tumult of war.  His early memories were marked by the challenges of war and scarcity.  In the 1950s, he left Italy with some of his siblings, embarking on a journey that would lead him to America – a place where he would realize the American dream.

Settling in South Florida, Carlo began his culinary journey as an executive chef at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.  He humorously referred to being “on call” for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack as “job security”, as Sinatra was a fan of Carlo’s Italian flair, especially his specialty dish of chicken livers.

As he established himself in South Florida, Carlo became a renowned restauranteur, with his restaurants, Lastrada and The Haystack, becoming famous for his garlic knots.  Carlo embraced life with passion, creating vibrant dining experiences that reflected his love for food and community.

He loved spending time with family, traveling, coffee, waterskiing, riding his motorcycles, collecting trinkets, but most of all, he loved his wife, Sandra.  His favorite song, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, reflected his love for his adopted country.  Carlo always made those around him laugh and feel loved.

While Carlo never had biological children of his own, he embraced Joey, Chanel, Mike, Linda, and their children as if they were his own.  He took immense joy in celebrating special moments, from calling each family member on their birthday and singing “Happy Birthday” in Italian.

Your kindness, generosity, and love will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Rest in peace, dear Carlo. You will remain in our hearts always.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Carlo at a later date.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Scotti family during this time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carlo Scotti, please visit our floral store.