Michele Mennella, Owner Of 1st Pizzeria In Bernardsville, Dies

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — Michele Mennella, owner of the first pizzeria in Bernardsville, Buona Pizza, died Sunday.

Mennella was 85, his obituary states.

Mennella was born in Naples, Italy, he worked as a Merchant Marine. He came to the United States in 1964, worked as a barber at first, and learned to make pizza.

He opened Buona Pizza in 1970, the first pizzeria in Bernardsville, which is still "going strong," his family said in his obituary. Later, he opened two more pizzerias.

Mennella enjoyed bowling, making garlic knots, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

He was one of nine children, born to Gennaro and Cira Mennella.

He is survived by his sons, Michael Jr., and his wife, Claire and Vito, daughter, Annemari, granddaughters, Miranda and Jenna, and great-grandson, Lorenzo.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com