Leslie “Da Famous Les” Fiatte

Leslie “Les” Fiatte, affectionately known (at least by himself!) as “Da Famous Les Fiatte,” was a man who knew how to make people laugh, tell a good joke, and be a truly great husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Les was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 39 years, Barb Fiatte, who passed away in 2017. He was a loving father to his daughters, Traci Fiatte Thomas (Glenn) and Erin Downs (Patrick), and an incredibly proud grandfather to Lili Izzo, Franki Izzo, and Hunter Downs, whom he absolutely adored.

A proud local business owner, Les ran Fiatte Automotive, where he earned a reputation as something of a rarity…. the mechanic everyone actually trusted. His business was more than a place to fix cars; it was a place where friendships were built, jokes were told, and stories were shared. Fiatte Automotive also sponsored a bowling league, where Les spent many happy years as a bowler himself.

Outside the shop, Les loved fishing, cooking, and cheering on his beloved Chicago sports teams. He was a devoted White Sox fan, but nothing quite compared to his passion for DAAAA BEARS! He also had a habit of photographing his meals long before social media made it fashionable. Les was clearly ahead of his time. 

But more than anything, Les will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and the relationships he built along the way. A natural prankster and joke teller, he loved nothing more than getting a laugh out of someone; often when they least expected it. Behind all that humor was a generous heart and a man who never hesitated to help someone in need. Since his passing, nearly everyone who has heard the news has shared a story… about a joke he told, a prank he pulled, or a time he showed up when they needed him.

And perhaps that's the greatest tribute to a life well lived: so many people have a story about Les, and every one of those stories comes with a smile. 

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated by the many people whose lives he touched.

A celebration of Les's life will be held in mid-to-late November, with details to be shared at a later date. And knowing Les, he'd want everyone to come ready with a good story and a few laughs.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL