Ciro Pappalardo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Ciro Pappalardo, a respected Staten Island restaurateur whose name is synonymous with authentic Italian cuisine and signature dishes with origins from his native city of Naples, died Tuesday in his Todt Hill home, surrounded by his wife Pauline, daughter Alisen and son Casey. He was 68.

Mr. Pappalardo was the eighth of nine children born to Angelo and Maria Pappalardo in Trecase, a small village at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy.

He emigrated to Staten Island when he was 9 and settled with his family in Port Richmond.

It was then he would join his older brothers, Joe and Pat Pappalardo, in the restaurant business, a team that had already made a name at Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria in Castleton Corners.

And with the passing of each day, the energetic little boy who found his way around the kitchen, started to learn the art of making pizza. He listened and he learned from his brothers, his heroes who mentored him in every aspect of his life.

For Mr. Pappalardo, there was no greater joy than being surrounded by family

A real “family affair,” Joe and Pat served as proprietors of the famed dining spot, their sisters waitressed and their father created sauces in the kitchen.

Diligence and hard work and love and respect for family were one in the same for the young man, who eventually went on to succeed in the hospitality business himself. It was these fundamentals that served as the cornerstones that would mold his character, his work ethic and influence his future goals and aspirations.

“A MAN OF FEW WORDS”

Mr. Pappalardo graduated from Port Richmond High School in 1970. Affable, with a broad smile and a sly sense of humor, his transition to this country was smooth, without obstacles and struggles.

“A man of a few words, yet fluent in the language of looks and gestures, Ciro spoke volumes with a glance and uplifted a room with his smile,” said his nephew, Angelo Bianchi. “His natural charisma won him many friends and to his plethora of nieces and nephews — undisputed status of ‘the cool uncle.’”

Bianchi went on to explain his uncle was an avid record collector.

“Ciro introduced his family to the joys of American music, particularly his favorite, Elvis. No family party was complete until Ciro rocked the floor with his signature moves. His joy was infectious,” he added.

In 1984 Mr. Pappalardo married the former Pauline Derwin, a West Brighton native, who would be his inseparable life partner. They soon started a family with the birth of their daughter, Alisen, in 1988 and then son Casey a few years later.

NEW BUSINESS ENDEAVORS

Having spent years mastering the handcrafting of the perfect pizza pie in Joe & Pats, in 1997 Mr. Pappalardo opened Ciro Pizza Cafe in Huguenot.

Just like the old days, Mr. Pappalardo’s family was there to lend a helping hand.

But this time it was daughter Alisen who served as a waitress — her first job — and young Casey, who filled in where ever needed to be close to his dad.

The father-and-son team bonded, whether it was over love of fine food and hospitality, or golf, ultimately forming a business partnership when Joe & Pats opened in Manhattan’s East Village, along with partners Jerry Pappalardo and John Piscopo.

The new brand has been featured on a plethora of “Top 10 Lists” and highlighted on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.

CIRO’S ATHLETIC PROWESS

When Mr. Pappalardo wasn’t working, he played sports, first as pitcher and star of his softball team, and later as a proficient golfer, an activity that became a passion. It was rivaled only by his role as doting grandfather to Ciro and Celina Azzato, his nephew, Bianchi, recounted.

“The family patriarch loved the community aspect of golf and the friendships that ensued on the links,” Bianchi said. “Fiercely competitive and dedicated, Ciro never missed a chance to play and improve. In fact, he made a hole-in-one and also won the Richmond County Country Club Championship in 2020, where the flag is currently flying at half mast in his honor.”

Former Borough President Ralph Lamberti recalled his friend. “We would play cards together at the Richmond County Country Club to have some fun and a few laughs. In fact, Ciro was a great card player and truly an all around great guy to so many who will sorely miss him.”

Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon: “We knew Ciro as the youngest brother of a very prominent, successful, and philanthropic Staten Island family. And, to be sure, he was equally successful and generous. But, as our children were in the same school together, we knew him even more personally, as the loving husband of Pauline and father of their two children that he was. Certainly a “quiet man,” alongside his gregarious family and more outgoing business partner, Jonn Piscopo, but he was a rock, strong and steady. He loved a good laugh and a good night out, and extended his hand to anyone who needed it. He had a servant’s heart. Judy and I extend our deepest condolences to Pauline, the children and their big, beautiful family.”

Dr. Michael Schirripa, a longtime friend, said, “Ciro was a dear friend of mine and my family and we are devastated by this loss. Ciro was good natured, generous, kind and incredibly hardworking. Everyone who crossed paths with him knows this well. I feel lucky to have raised our kids together. Ciro instilled great values in his family and truly lived by example. He had a wonderful sense of community and had so much love for Staten Island. When I was sick from COVID-19 back in 2020, he sent food to my house countless times, and behind the scenes, he sent food to hospitals for staff during the peak of the pandemic. Ciro lived life to the fullest with a smile on his face and a great sense of humor. He was truly a rare and special type of person. He will always be in our minds and hearts and will be dearly missed by all.”

Another friend, John Cilmi, said, “Ciro was an indescribable person and friend. He was warm and engaging with a great sense of humor and linguistic expressions that only he could deliver in a light Italian accent. Without question, loved by many, but none more than his golf friends at the Richmond County Country Club.”

Nephew Richie Ippolito Jr.: “Uncle Ciro was a man who would always light up the room with his sense of humor and great smile. At a very young age, he was someone that I looked up to and admired. I have so many great memories working together at his restaurants over the years. Probably what makes Ciro the most special is how amazing he was as a husband, father and nonno. Pauline and Ciro built such a close beautiful family which I will use as inspiration as I raise my three boys. You would always look forward to family events when Ciro was going to be there. He is one of the greatest people I have come across in my life.”

Mr. Pappalardo is survived by his wife, Pauline, daughter Alisen, son Casey, son-in-law Michael Azzato, and grandchildren Ciro and Celina Azzato, brothers Joe Pappalardo and Jerry Pappalardo, sisters Tina Bianchi, Rose Zucca, Jessie Ippolito, Clara Fazzino, Anna Glynn and scores of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Maria, father Angelo, brother Pasquale Pappalardo and nephews Joseph Fazzino and AJ Pappalardo.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. Visitation is Thursday and Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Sacred Heart R.C. Church, West Brighton. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.