More than 100 people paid their respects recently to beloved pizzeria owner Rosario Zito.
A vigil was held in front of Zito's restaurant, Giovanni’s Pizzeria, in downtown Albuquerque. That’s where Zito was shot and killed while protecting his employees from a robber.
Sylvan Alcachupas, the man accused of shooting and killing the pizzeria owner, is facing charges of murder, robbery and evidence tampering; an Aug. 30 KRQE report said.
Family and friends wanted to focus on the good times since the restaurant opened in the 1980s.
“My husband was a real man,” Zito’s wife Dana said to the gathering, quoted by KOB 4. “He was a protector. That’s what a real man does. I’m still alive. My guys are still alive, and he’s with God now. That’s where he needs to be and we will just try to keep going and thank you, thanks for all the support.”
Instead of celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary on Sept. 21, Dana will be making plans for a funeral as the pizzeria remains closed. Flowers, candles and other items have been placed in front of the business, along with messages like those read at the vigil:
“Every time he would come into the store he was like ‘Hey how you doing?’ Biggest smile on his face always had the biggest smile.”
“He was like a dad to me. He was my best friend he’s the best boss, and he had the best pizza in the world.”
