He was known for his pizza and so much more. Tony Colicchia was known as the guy who’d do anything for anyone.
Mr. Colicchia owned Mister Pizza, a very popular pizza place on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. He was known in the community as Mister Pizza.
Jim Martina is one of the many friends grieving the loss of the kind-hearted businessman. He told me his long time friend was very generous, “Tony had probably one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen.” Always there, always giving, always doing, “If any of his family or friends had anybody in the hospital, he would send up enough food to feed 50 people including the nurses.”
He cared deeply for his community and worked hard to make it a better place.
Mr. Colicchia had been battling cancer for the past year.
Mr. Colicchia gave to many local charities including the Buffalo Animal Shelter. He will be missed by his family, friends, and many in the community who appreciated not only his pizza – but also his spirit, his kindness and his zest for life.
Rest in Peace Mr. Colicchia.
A statement released Tuesday morning by the folks at Mister Pizza:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved Tony.
Words cannot express the sorrow we are feeling with his sudden passing. For those of you that were lucky enough to have known Tony, he was a kind, compassionate, generous, big-hearted soul. He lived each day opening his heart helping others. He was a strong believer in his faith and never took life for granted. He was a strong fixture in our city and always stepped up to help the less fortunate, local charities, our animal shelter, and his church. Knowing Tony was a blessing. He lived to help people. He loved his family, his friends, his pizzeria and his beloved Chihuahua Gianna.
In honor of Tony we ask of you to pay his kindness forward….take that extra second to reach out and help someone, our local animal shelter, a local charity, a person in need. After all that’s how Tony lived his life.
We thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers you have sent to the family. We thank you all for the support you have given to Mister Pizza❤”
Beautifully said he was my Cousin and Friend
So very sorry for your loss, Caroline.
I often stopped by to get a slice of my favorite pizza, I didn’t know Tony personally I wish there were more people in this world like him to care and appreciate life. He was a true example of how we are all intended to live life by. Thank you for the best pizza in Buffalo. You will be missed by many.
Support goes to his family and friends at this most sad time.
Knew Tony since hi teens, he was like family, attended many family events. When he did it was always the same, order from Mr. Pizza, it was always on the house. A lifetime lover of Corvettes and he had some real beauties A westsider who made it big but always found the time to give, charities, church events and so much more. He will be so sadly missed but the type person, you will never forget