Vincenzo Cristiano

Vincenzo “Nino” Cristiano was born in Grumo Nevano, Napoli, Italy on February 3, 1924, to Dominic & Chiarina Cristiano. With his family at his side, Vincenzo was peacefully called to the Lord on October 14, 2014 at his residence in Long Beach, CA. The Owner/Founder of Nino's Italian Restaurant, "Nino", will be missed by his loving wife of 64 years: Inge Cristiano & partner in the restaurant business and mother of his children. He leaves his legacy on this earth in his 3 children: Nino, Michael & Carina Cristiano. He loved them so much you could feel it when you were around them. He traveled the world, spoke five languages, and always made family come first. When he arrived in Long Beach in 1957, with his wife Inge, Nino (4 years old) and Mike (2 weeks old), he made the American Dream a reality when he opened Nino’s Italian Restaurant at 3853 Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls on July 31, 1958. His grand-daughter: Jaclyn Cristiano was there caring for her grandfather until he took his last breathes. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, customers of Nino’s & his entire restaurant employee/ family. As a family owned and operated business, he was a substantial part of everyone’s daily life for his family and staff. You could also find him at “his booth, table 16” every lunch and dinner in his retirement years and ready to talk, sing, tell jokes or give hugs and kisses. As a community member, he was an active citizen, proud American, and role model to so many. He walked his talk and opened his heart to everyone, a huge animal lover too!