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…
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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 more ›