The Passing of a Pizza Legend: Patsy Grimaldi (1931-2024)

Death of a Culinary Icon

Patsy Grimaldi, the revered restaurateur behind the iconic coal-oven pizzeria that revitalized New York City’s oldest pizza style, passed away on February 13, 2024, at the age of 93. His nephew, Frederick Grimaldi, confirmed his death at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital. Grimaldi’s legacy is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, which he championed for decades, inspiring a national movement toward artisan pizza.

The Culinary Journey and a Name’s Evolution

Grimaldi’s culinary career took off in 1990 when he opened his pizzeria under the name "Patsy’s." However, legal disputes prompted a rename to "Patsy Grimaldi’s" and later simply "Grimaldi’s." Years later, he reopened as "Juliana’s Pizza," a tribute to his mother. Regardless of the name, his pizzerias were magnets for food enthusiasts drawn to his house-roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, and delicate crusts baked to perfection in a coal-fired oven. Each name change reflected his deep-rooted respect for tradition and family.

Early Life and Apprenticeship

Born on August 3, 1931, in the Bronx to Italian immigrants Federico and Maria Juliana Grimaldi, Patsy’s life was marked by resilience and a passion for culinary excellence. After his father’s death at 12, he began working at his uncle Pasquale Lancieri’s pizzeria in East Harlem. This apprenticeship, starting as a busboy and evolving into a skilled pizzaiolo, laid the foundation for his future. His tenure included a brief Army service and a return to the restaurant, where he honed his craft, serving a diverse clientele of entertainers, mobsters, and chefs.

A Restaurant’s Rise and Its Celebrity Clientele

Grimaldi’s pizzeria quickly gained fame for its authentic, high-quality pies, attracting luminaries like Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Joe DiMaggio. His special bond with Sinatra, including personal deliveries, highlighted the unique place his restaurant held in the hearts of celebrities. This era, filled with late-night encounters and memorable interactions, cemented his pizzeria as a New York institution.

Challenges and Legacy Beyond the Oven

After selling Grimaldi’s in 1998, retirement was short-lived. Conflicts over the restaurant’s direction led to a reopening under his mother’s name, Juliana’s. The legacy endures, with Juliana’s and the neighboring Grimaldi’s drawing devoted crowds. Personal touches, like a Sinatra shrine, resonate with visitors, celebrating a life intertwined with love, family, and food.

A Life of Passion and Purpose

Patsy Grimaldi’s impact on the culinary world is undeniable, influencing generations of pizza enthusiasts. His story, marked by dedication and a commitment to tradition, continues to inspire. Survived by his daughter, grandson, and sister, his memory lives on in every perfectly baked pie, a testament to his enduring legacy.