According to a family statement issued on Pepe’s website, co-owner of the famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana passed away. Gary Bimonte’s cause of death is confirmed as “a heart attack.”
The New Haven Independent reported that he passed away on Wednesday, April 7, night after suffering a heart attack.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Gary Bimonte. Gary was a wonderful brother, son, uncle, and friend to so many, and he was loved by all of us. [He] was the pride and joy of the Pepe’s family, and there are no words to express the immense void that his passing has left in our hearts,” the statement read.
Pepe Pizza Gary Bimonte’s Cause of Death
Gary was the grandson of Frank Pepe, the founder of the famous restaurant Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, passed away after a heart attack. He inherited the beloved New Haven, a pizzeria from his grandfather, Frank Pepe.
Gary Bimonte and his relatives run Pepe in different locations, including Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island serving on average one million pizzas a year across them all, he said in 2018.
The original New Haven location was closed for business on Thursday, April 8, so the family could mourn Bimonte, a @pepespizzeria tweet said.
Falcone said regarding the division in New Haven between fans of “the big three” Pepe’s, Modern Apizza, Sally’s Apizza, “When I have friends in town, I have to take them to all three, especially Pepe’s, because it’s the most famous outside of New Haven,” adding Bimonte was so proud of New Haven. He was a glowing guy when you talked to him, “like a little kid.”
Reactions to Gary Bimonte’s Death
Following the tragic news, several supporters and longtime customers reacted and paid tribute, and stated their condolences on social media websites after Gary Bimonte’s cause of death was confirmed.
Dean Falcone, one of three producers of the locally-produced “Pizza, a love story,” wrote in a Facebook post: “I have just heard the news of Pepe’s Pizza co-owner Gary Bimonte’s passing. I have known him since I played for his dad’s Little League team.”
For tributes and prayers, please kindly scroll down and use the comment box to share your feelings about the heartbreaking news.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal and New Haven mayor Justin Elicker remembered Bimonte in heartfelt tweets on Thursday.
Blumenthal wrote: “Sad to learn of Gary Bimonte’s passing. When you think of pizza, you think of Pepe’s. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Thank you, Gary, for many great slices & memories.”
