I was incredibly saddened when I learned that we lost Modesto DiRaimo.  To say his was a life well lived is beyond understatement. A devoted and loving man who was not only a wonderful husband, father and grandfather to his precious family but touched the life of all who were fortunate to have known him in ways that he will not be forgotten. I learned of Modesto's passing while away and am sorry I could not be there to honor his life in person. I expect his son Joseph, one of the best story tellers I have ever known, gave a eulogy that brought all in attendance to tears as well as laughter in recounting Modesto's story book life. I know The DiRaimo family since the Pizza parlor first opened just as I moved to Huntington. Like virtually every regular customer DiRaimo's was always like home and, of course, they have the best Pizza anywhere. Through the years I got to know the whole family but got much closer after they bought the office building I was a tenant in out of receivership  with the landlord virtually stealing my security. Modesto (and of course, Elena)  was more than landlords, he was like a protective father. I will never forget his often repeated question during a recession during my tenancy..."How is the Business? If things get tough you are not leaving, you come to me and we will work things out." I can't recount that story without tearing up. I celebrate an iconic American life and will miss him greatly. My visits to DiRaimo's will have me remembering him sitting at his table and feeling very lucky to have known this man and been his friend.

I remember the day DiRaimos  opened in 1978 and to this day I still go there whenever I’m in town with my family.  It reminds me of a simpler time when the customer mattered more than the money. Mr. DiRaimo  as he was to us as kids was always happy to see you and  made you feel at home. In my Fathers later years he would see him coming and put his food at his usual table so he didn’t have to go to the counter. My sincere condolences to the DiRaimo family he was a one of kind. 

Rest In Peace Mr. DiRaimo
Timothy Gowdie and Family


I met Joe in his Syosset Pizzeria off Ira rd in 1970-71. I feel in love with his Sicilian style pizza and usually had between 4-6 slices, not bad for a skinny 16 year old. I became a regular and He challenge me to eat a whole pie(Sicilian) if I finished, it was free. I won! I remember his wife and small babies would sometimes be there.
He moved to the corner of Woodbury rd off So. Oyster bay rd and I followed . Eventually he moved to Huntington and a friend of mine buying a pizzeria asked Joe to teach us to learn his style of pizza making. Every once in while I would stop in and Joe would be losing court at a small table and I would say hello and he would smile and remember the early days in Syosset.
Joe you will be missed greatly, Rest In Peace and hug Eliana and keep the pies coming. Thank you eternally.

Joe,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. 
The obituary in Newsday was beautiful. 
What an amazing man.  
Eterno riposo

Cinzia Bellissimo 

Our favorite pizza and Italian food takeout restaurant. He always had a smile for me coming and going out from his corner booth.

I will miss him!





Customers since they opened and now our children and grandchildren.  Sorry for the families loss.  Our favorite pizza restaurant  ever.

Frank & Linda Mavronicolas and family.

Our condolences to the entire DiRaimo family. May the memories you have of Modesto comfort you always.  When we dropped by the pizzeria almost two years ago for a slice Modesto was eating his lunch but was so nice to take a few minutes to talk with us.


My condolences to the DiRaimo family. I have very fond memories of Mr. DiRaimo in the restaurant. I ate many pepperoni pies there as a teenager in the late 70’s.  Having moved you California, each time I visit Huntington I always visit the restaurant.  Thank you for your many years of kindness! You will be missed!

Our sincere condolences to everyone in your family.  My dad was his lawyer and every time he came to see him, we could expect a pizza. Always with a smile. After my dad died and  when I would see him, he always would tell me kind words about my father and how he was not only his lawyer but a good friend.
  May he rest in peace and I know your mom has him in her arms now.

The kind & nice memories  of the talks  & visits to  Mr DiRaimo's
special table at the Pizza place will always be cherished. Modesto shared his stories of coming to the USA ,working Construction,then starting the very successful DiRaimos Pizza. We loved to listen.
 Mr Di Raimo always found time to talk to us & ask about the family
not present. We were always treated like family . 
 To the whole DiRaimo Family,  we share your grief and sorrow
during this difficult time.  We will also miss his HAPPY face. Thoughts & Prayers  From
                     Tony . Barbara , Lisa & Kristen   

Our Deepest condolences to the Diraimo family. Our thoughts, love,  and prayers are with you . As a teenager ( back in the 80's ) my friends and I, everyday, would go have slices at Diraimo's, and Modesto would always be nice to us, thank us for coming down;  share stories once in awhile with us. If he wasn't grabbing us a slice, then I fondly remember him sitting by the back corner booth, near the back side door . I live states away for many years now, and haven't been back in years ; but I know there  will never be another like him . He will be dearly missed . All of our love ..... God bless,  Brigid McDermott-Goode 

So many memories, I don’t even know where to start.  I’ll always remember Mr. DiRaimo’s smiling face as he chatted at the corner table near the back door.  May he Rest In Peace.

I remember uncle Modesto as a good person, very generous and full of energy, I have a wonderful memory of the days spent in the United States in his company. You will always remain in our hearts.

The very first day we moved into our Huntington home (1980,) we celebrated at DiRaimo’s.  Friday night pizza became our family tradition. My son got his first job working behind the counter at DiRaimo’s. Modesto and Joe were like uncles to him.  Now, my grandchildren beg us to bring DiRaimo’s pizza when we visit them in Virgina.  Modesto’s spirit will live on with every slice of pizza that we all enjoy.  Condolences to the family. 

Condolence to all in your family for the loss of the dear Modesto. We are near you in this sad day. 

I worked at Ninas resturant on wall street, When  Mr. Diraimo opened the pizzeria people loved it,He served the town well he was well liked and always had a welcoming smile for his customers, God rest his soul. Amen

He always said hello when you arrived at DiRaimo’s and goodbye as you were leaving . , .even if he didn’t know you personally, but he knew you were a steady customer. . .very  nice gentleman. . .may he Rest In Peace. . .

OBITUARY

Modesto DiRaimo

October 26, 1935 – August 16, 2019

Beney Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Visitation

Visitation

Funeral Mass

Entombment to follow