Paul Staico

Paul Staico passed suddenly on November 30, 2025, at the age of 59. Son of the late Charlie and Carmela (Centofanti), he was the loving brother of Linda Staico (Mark) Mancini and the long-term boyfriend of Gloria Quinones, (her sister) Carmen (Neil) Chapman and son Benito. He is also survived by many loving family members and the countless friends he made through Big Charlie’s Saloon at 11th and McKean Streets in South Philadelphia.

Paul was the proud owner and heart of Big Charlie’s, the small corner bar that grew into a nationally known oasis for Kansas City Chiefs fans in the middle of Eagles country. Since the 1980s, Big Charlie’s has been described in news stories as “hallowed ground” and an “oasis” for Chiefs fans in South Philly, with walls packed floor-to-ceiling with red and gold memorabilia and generations of fans gathering every Sunday to cheer together.

Under Paul’s care, that little brick bar affectionately became known as “Arrowhead East,” recognized by national and local media as the Chiefs bar in Philadelphia and even spotlighted multiple times by NFL Films for its passionate fan base. Reporters who visited wrote about how it felt less like a business and more like a living room filled with family, where out-of-town Chiefs fans always had a home, and where regulars say Paul and “the fellas” treated everyone who walked in the door like they’d been coming there for years.

Paul’s decisions as an owner reflected his values. When overwhelming demand for Super Bowl parties meant some loyal patrons would have to be turned away, he chose to close the bar rather than let anyone feel left out—reminding people that on that South Philly corner, people mattered more than money. That spirit of loyalty and fairness, often highlighted in articles about Big Charlie’s, was the same spirit he showed to his family, friends, and community every day.

Beyond the headlines and cameras, Paul will be remembered for his easy smile, his love of a good laugh, and his gift for bringing people together—South Philadelphians and transplanted Kansas Citians, old friends and first-time visitors—until they all felt like one big family under the Big Charlie’s sign. His legacy lives on in every story told at the bar, every jersey on the wall, and every Sunday gathering of fans who found a home because of him.

Relatives, friends, and the Big Charlie’s Saloon family are invited to his Memorial Mass Saturday 11:30AM Epiphany of Our Lord Church 11th and Jackson St. Interment will be private. In Lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Epiphany of Our Lord Church 11th and Jackson St Phila., Pa 19148.