St. Louis Wholesale co-founder Joe Inchiostro Sr. dies

ST. PETERS, Mo. — Joe Inchiostro Sr., who founded St. Louis Wholesale Tire in 1980 along with his younger brother Larry in the living room of his home, died April 22 at age 80.

The Inchiostro brothers started the business by renting a small space in a mall, and nearly 40 years later, St. Louis Wholesale has grown into one of the major wholesalers in the U.S., specializing in specialty tires and inner tubes.

Today, Mr. Inchiostro's son, Joe Jr., and his nephew, John, own and operate the business.

"He was very caring, very kind. ... There's not enough kind words to describe him," said Tim Woodward, an account executive with St. Louis Wholesale who was hired by Mr. Inchiostro in 1998. "He was an innovator, a family man, very witty. Such a great man."

Mr. Inchiostro served on the board of the Missouri Tire Industry Association (MTIA) throughout most of his career, until 2018. He served as MTIA president in 2003-04, then started to transition to retirement in 2004.

Freda Pratt-Boyer, senior auditor for Purcell Tire Co. and a former TIA president and board member, served on the board of MTIA with Mr. Inchiostro.

"Joe was true champion for the industry." Ms. Pratt-Boyer said. "He was a champion on government issues, he championed the Internet sales tax issue, he supported our board, he supported our organization. ...

"He was the industry."

Mr. Inchiostro was inducted into the MTIA Hall of Fame in 2012.

Mr. Woodward said his boss not only supported other business leaders, but also minorities and women.

"He was very encouraging and helpful," Mr. Woodward said. "He was a big believer in treating people the way he would want to be treated," Mr. Woodward said. "He always would say, with hard work and if we work together, we can get through anything."

Born on June 3, 1938, in St. Louis, Mr. Inchiostro received his bachelor's degree from St. Louis University after serving in the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his wife Donna Brady, whom he married on Dec. 12, 2012, as well as his son Joseph; daughter Amanda Inchiostro; and grandsons Aiden, Liam and Jackson.

Ms. Pratt-Boyer, who was recognized with the Ed Wagner Leadership Award by TIA last year, said she remembers a day that epitomized Mr. Inchiostro. The pair were among several Missourians who attended a government day in Washington, D.C. She said Mr. Inchiostro called her and asked her to go so he wouldn't be there alone.

"We went behind the scenes at the Capital, we got some meetings, we had a wonderful day," Ms. Boyer said. "He remembered what a great event that was. I'm not sure why he felt he would be alone. Joe was never a stranger to anybody."

Ms. Pratt-Boyer said Mr. Inchiostro strongly supported her throughout her career.

"Joe always had a smile on his face," she said. "He was a kind and considerate man and always had a kind word to say. He was very encouraging of me, being a female in the industry."

According to Mr. Woodward, Mr. Inchiostro was an avid fisherman, golfer and gardener. And he helped St. Louis Wholesale became successful by offering oddball, unique products, including tires for ATVs, according to Mr. Woodward.

"The brothers were visionaries," he said . "They saw things (like ATV) tires as an opportunity and found their niche."

Memorials may be made in Mr. Inchiostro's name to Mt. Horeb Cemetery, mail to Norma Mueller, 1315 Highway J., New Florence Mo. 63363.