Owner of Mr. Pasta, a longtime Italian deli in North Arlington, dies

NORTH ARLINGTON — Franco Masiero, who as the owner of Mr. Pasta had kept the neighborhood nourished with hearty Italian food since 1974, died on Tuesday.

His catering and takeout business was on Ridge Road, the borough's main business district.

"We are so heartbroken and will miss him dearly," his family said in an Instagram statement. "He was a wonderful husband, father and friend."

Mr. Pasta has been closed since the end of December due to a case of COVID among the staff, according to its social media.

Before the announcement of Masiero's death, his family posted on Instagram that they had been "hit hard with COVID."

Frank Masiero
Frank Masiero

"He was a staple to the community," said Mayor Dan Pronti. "I'm hoping to see the family continue running the business."

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Information about funeral services was not available Wednesday. The family did not reveal the cause of death.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Mr. Pasta deli North Arlington NJ: Owner Franco Masiero dies