STATEN ISLAND, NY — Carla Denino, the owner of Denino’s Pizzeria, died on Wednesday, January 16, 2025, at her home in North Carolina. She was 63 years old.
Carla was a beloved figure not only for her work in the family business but also for the warmth and kindness she shared with everyone she met. Denino’s Pizzeria, a Staten Island institution, became more than just a restaurant under her stewardship—it was a home for locals, a place where friendships were formed, and a gathering spot for visitors from near and far. The pizzeria’s welcoming atmosphere and sense of community were a direct reflection of Carla’s personality, and her passing has left a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew her.
Denino’s Pizzeria has a rich history in Staten Island, dating back to 1937 when Carla’s grandfather, John Denino, founded a tavern that originally served as both a confectionery and pool hall. The pizzeria portion of the business was introduced in 1951 by Carlo Denino, John’s son, and over the decades, it grew to become one of Staten Island’s most cherished eateries. Carla, who worked alongside her family for years, became the face of Denino’s, known for her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and her unparalleled dedication to the business and the community.
For Carla, Denino’s was not just a place of business—it was a family legacy. She cherished her roots in the borough and was fiercely proud of her heritage. Carla’s deep love for her family was evident to all who knew her, and she often spoke with admiration and affection for her late father, Carlo Denino. It’s said that Carla was reunited with him in her final moments, an image that brings comfort to those who mourn her loss.
“Carla’s light will continue to shine through all of us who were lucky to know her,” said one friend in a tribute to the pizzeria owner. “She had a way of making everyone feel like family, whether you were a regular customer or someone she just met. Her kindness and generosity were limitless.”
The community has shared countless stories of how Carla went above and beyond to make people feel valued. “She didn’t just serve pizza; she served love,” another friend remarked, echoing the sentiments of many who considered her a second mother or a lifelong friend. Carla had a special way of making everyone who walked into Denino’s feel at home, and it was her genuine care for others that made her such a cherished figure in Staten Island.
Carla’s legacy is not just tied to the pizzeria but to the countless lives she touched with her kindness, support, and unshakeable positivity. Denino’s will continue to be a symbol of her dedication, with every slice of pizza served carrying with it a piece of her spirit. It was her energy and heart that made the restaurant so much more than just a place to grab a meal—it became a place where memories were made, where laughter filled the air, and where everyone, no matter their background, felt like they belonged.
As the community grapples with the loss of this remarkable woman, there is a sense of gratitude for the time spent in her presence and the many ways in which she enriched lives. While Carla’s physical absence leaves a void, her memory and the impact she had on the people of Staten Island will endure. Denino’s Pizzeria will forever stand as a testament to her love for her family, her community, and the art of bringing people together over a shared meal.
Though the pizzeria will never quite be the same without Carla behind the counter, those who had the privilege of knowing her will carry her spirit in their hearts, forever grateful for the warmth, kindness, and joy she brought to the world.