Beggars Pizza Founder Dies at 55
The visitation for Peter Garetto is scheduled to start at noon on Wednesday.
The first date between Peter Garetto and his wife, then Cheryl Metzger, happened at a place in Oak Forest called Tiffany's in 1979.
Nearly two decades later, Garetto bought the building where their first date took place on Cicero Avenue and opened the Beggars Pizza location.
"I didn’t really like him too much at first," Cheryl said, recalling his outwardly intimidating personality. She worked for him prior to the two dating.
"But then you find out that he’s a big teddy bear.”
Peter, founder and co-owner of the pizza franchise, has died. He was 55.
Peter also is survived by his four children, Angelo, Susan, Peter M. and Allison; his mother Janet; siblings Laurance H. (Mary), Laura (Rich) O'Brien, Susan (Dave) Hoffman, Mary Garetto and Janet (Ray) Garetto-Cantelo J.D; mother-in-law Inez Metzger and many other relatives. He joins his father Angelo and his father-in-law Robert Metzger.
A 1974 Marist High School graduate, Peter was a past president of the Builders Tee Club, past Vice-Presidents of the Homer Athletic Club, former member of the Good Fellas Golf Club and a former coach of the Homer Heat and H.A.C. baseball team, according to his obituary.
Visitation is from noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Modell Funeral Home, 12641 W. 143rd St. in Homer Glen.
The funeral service is set for 9 a.m. Thursday at Richard J. Modell Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 12641 W. 143rd St. in Homer Glen. Mass will be at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard Church.
Donations to the Multiple Myeloma Foundation at www.themmrf.org are asked for in lieu of flowers.
Beggars Pizza has locations in Oak Forest, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, New Lenox, Mokena and more than a dozen places. The Oak Forest spot opened in 1998.
Betty Ruswick
4:11 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing at such a young age. Although I did not know him personally, I met him a few times and was a big fan. I worked with individuals with the diagnosis of autism and approximately 5 or 6 years ago, I began the process of finding employment for some of our students. I was so pleased that Beggar's Pizza hired 3 of our students and did so with enthusiasm. Our students were treated like the other employees, which might not sound like a big deal, but it is HUGE. I applaud Peter and his companies for their work on behalf of the disabled, and his family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers.
lvent
6:08 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family.
Don Labriola
12:55 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
I've known Pete and his family for over forty years. You'll never find a harder working and more devoted family man than Pete Garetto. He played a very significant role in bringing Beggar's Pizza to Mokena. Pete, you will truly be missed. My sincerest condolences to the entire Garetto family.
Nick Swedberg
9:01 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Thank you for posting these sentiments here. I'm sure the family appreciates them.
Tinley Park Mom
9:38 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
so sorry for your loss. Love your Pizza and the kindness that was always served
S.Pike
4:02 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
sorry to hear this, sounds like a great guy :( My prayers with the family.
Sara Heklowski
5:43 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
I just reapplied after 10 years to go back to beggars for some extra side money. I remember Peter and how nice he was to everyone.The company always treated me well and I'm gonna miss him like many other people will! 55 is just to young! God bless him!
Tom Cunningham
10:24 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
My condolences to the Garetto Family! Much to young! Gave so much!
Thank you Peter!
Tom Cunningham
Red's
Cindy Davis Meldrum
2:11 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
I was in shock and sad by the news I heard today that I had to search for myself on the Internet. I started working at the age of 15 for Peter & Larry at the Blue Island location. I remember Peter always being the silly one but always thought of them being great bosses. My heart goes out to his wife and family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Cindy (Davis) Meldrum