'Icon And Cornerstone': Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Co-Owner Gary Bimonte Dies

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBS) – Frank Pepe Pizzeria is mourning the death of co-owner Gary Bimonte, described as the "pride and joy" of the well-known pizzeria.

The company, which has locations in Watertown, Chestnut Hill and Burlington among others in the northeast, closed its flagship New Haven location for the day on Thursday following Bimonte's death.

"Gary 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 company posted on its website. "He truly loved and cherished our family's history, and he was so proud of the legacy that has carried through all these years."

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont called Bimonte "an icon and cornerstone" of New Haven.

Gary was as much of an icon and cornerstone of #NewHaven as anyone. A man with big heart, Gary was immensely proud and dedicated to his family, employees and greater community. Our thoughts are with the Bimonte family and everyone at @pepespizzeria as we all mourn their loss. https://t.co/NBuiainMg9
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) April 8, 2021

Frank Pepe's is regularly voted to have the best pizza in the country by food experts.