LOS ANGELES - Frank Fertitta Jr., philanthropist, Las Vegas entrepreneur and second cousin to Galveston businessman Tilman Fertitta, died Friday in Los Angeles.
Fertitta, who started out as a hotel bellman and became one of the most successful businessmen in Las Vegas, was 70. He was the founder of Station Casinos.
Also Online
The Las Vegas-based company said he died after complications from a heart condition. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Frank Fertitta Jr. was a first cousin of Tilman Fertitta's father, Vic Fertitta, retired Galveston businessman. Although they were a generation apart, Frank and Tilman Fertitta worked together in some business projects, including the original Key Largo, which is now the Hilton Hotel owned by Tilman Fertitta.
"He was a mentor," said Tilman Fertitta, speaking by phone from his office at Landry's Restaurants, which he heads. "He was one of the people who inspired me to be as successful as I am today.
"The city of Las Vegas, as well as the family, will sorely miss him."
Frank Fertitta Jr. was born Oct. 30, 1938, in Beaumont and moved to Las Vegas in 1960. He worked his way through the ranks of the casino industry, eventually building a neighborhood-based casino, attracting locals and off-duty casino workers.
As Fertitta's business empire grew, he and his wife, Victoria, shared their wealth. They were involved with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Nevada Cancer Institute, Opportunity Village and St. Jude's Ranch for Children.
"Frank Fertitta was not only a pioneer in creating locals-friendly casinos, but he was one of the most community-minded and generous men in Las Vegas history," former Nevada Gov. Bob Miller told the Las Vegas Sun. "He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word."
