Joseph Giallo

Joseph, affectionately known as Joe or Pino, lived a life marked by courage, curiosity, and quiet strength. He was cherished for his compassionate heart, gentle spirit, and steady, hardworking ways. Known for his honesty, loyalty, patience, and thoughtfulness, Joseph’s kind nature and warm sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Born on February 19, 1944, in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, Italy, to his parents Rosario and Girolama (Ruggeri) Giallo, Joseph’s life was rooted in family and love. As the last of six siblings, Joseph now joins his beloved brothers and sisters in heaven - Rosaria, Giovanni, Rosalia, Antonio, and Tommasa. He passed away on January 30, 2026, surrounded by his devoted wife, children, and family, leaving behind hearts forever changed by his loss.

In 1964, at just twenty years old, Joseph made a courageous and life-changing journey to America, carrying with him the values of his homeland of Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, Italy, and the skills he learned as a shepherd on his father’s farm. Seeking stability and opportunity for his family, he began his new life in New York, where he experienced many new cultures and languages. After six months, driven by his deep sense of responsibility to support his family back home, Joseph continued west to California. There, he worked on a farm as a herd manager and became known for his artisan cheesemaking, especially his delicious ricotta.

In 1965, Joseph returned to New York as his temporary stay in America was coming to an end and a return to Sicily seemed inevitable. Through prayer, guidance, and the expansion of family-reunification programs, he sought professional counsel and began the process of becoming a permanent resident. With faith as his foundation, Joseph embraced this new opportunity, trusting that he was meant to build his life in America and determined to create a future rooted in hard work, perseverance, and hope.

Joseph’s love and artistry in cooking, baking, and cheesemaking naturally led him to pursue a life in the culinary arts. Determined to become “un pizzaiolo,” he learned the food service trade, mastered the art of pizza making, embraced the city’s diverse cultures, and expanded his language skills. Building on these experiences, Joseph’s legacy as “Pizza Man Joe” took shape - first in Manhattan, New York in 1965, then from 1969 to 1971 on Avenue M in Brooklyn, New York, followed by Nino’s Pizza in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, from 1972 to 1980. For a short time in 1978, he brought his talents to Il Colosseo. From 1979 to 1993, Joseph proudly owned Mary’s Pizza in Islip Terrace, Long Island, New York, where he delighted the community and became a beloved fixture. Known to many by name, he became a familiar and trusted face, well known and deeply respected by neighbors, families, and regulars who came as much for his kindness and conversation as for his pizza. Joseph welcomed generations of families, creating not just meals, but memories that remain cherished to this day.

A man deeply passionate about his craft, Joseph once again shared his gift from 2001 to 2007 in Mesa, Arizona, at La Famiglia Pizza & Pasta, where his traditional meatball recipe became the most requested dish. You could often find Joseph greeting a steady stream of regulars, sharing stories of long ago in New York with transplanted guests and doing everything he could to ensure they felt welcomed and cared for. Through every chapter, Joseph’s dedication, skill, and love for sharing food forged a culinary legacy fondly remembered by all who enjoyed his creations.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie, whom he married on October 22, 1967. Rooted in faith, respect, and unwavering love, their marriage endured for 58 years and stood as a testament to a lifetime of devotion, standing side by side through every season of life. Together, they were blessed with the profound joy of raising a family. Their home was a place of steadfast love, guidance, and faith, reflecting the deep bond Joseph and Bonnie shared throughout their lives.

The Italian family heritage Joseph and Bonnie built in New York was rooted in deep family bonds and lifelong friendships. In 1996, they lovingly turned the page on that chapter, choosing to follow their daughters to Phoenix, Arizona, as the next generation began to establish their own roots and raise young families. True to who they were, Joseph and Bonnie carried with them a legacy of love, guidance, and unwavering support, ensuring that family remained the heart and purpose of every step in this new journey.

Joseph was the heart of his family, a role he carried with quiet strength and great honor. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his four daughters and sons-in-law: Geraldine & Piero, Liboria & Richard, Josephine & Stuart, and Rosaria & Scott. His love for his nine cherished grandchildren and their spouses was fierce and unconditional; his steady, protective presence brought comfort to Josephine & Ryan, Brianna & Adrian, Joseph, Mathew, Jon, Gianna, Azelyn & Jacob, Sylvanna, and Skylar. He was also a devoted great-grandfather to four treasured great-grandchildren: Zoey, Luna, Kora, and Alora - each of whom held a special place in his heart.

A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and proud Italian at heart, Joseph lived a life guided by faith, family, and tradition. From the fields of Sicily to the kitchens and homes he filled with love, his hands and heart shaped a legacy that will never fade. We take comfort in knowing he now rests in God’s eternal embrace, reunited with loved ones and watching over the family he cherished so dearly.

Memorial services for Joseph will be held at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, located at 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona. An open-house viewing and visitation celebrating Joseph’s life will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services and entombment will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated a memorial contribution through Ever Loved in honor of Joseph “Joe” Giallo. https://everloved.com/life-of/joseph-giallo/donate