Owner of former Johnny’s Pizza restaurant in Columbus dies at 98

Aaron Burd
·1 min read

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The longtime owner of a former Columbus restaurant, Johnny’s Pizza, died recently.

Emilio “Mel” Ranalli, 98 — who owned and operated Johnny’s Pizza for nearly five decades at 1336 Parsons Ave. — died Friday, according to an obituary. His time owning the pizzeria spanned 47 years, with the first location opening in 1953.

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Before owning and operating the restaurant, Ranalli served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Ranalli is survived by three children and a sister, among many other family members. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, Honor Flight Columbus or Tunnel to Tower.

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