STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Creators of a stellar “Pizza Rustica” and the last stewards of the “Classic Pizza” brand will serve their final pies from 3201 Richmond Rd. on Father’s Day weekend. Regardless of the weather, the tiny 10-seat parlor owned by the Rocchio family has served the Richmond neighborhood for 36 years.
Founded in 1989, Classic Pizza was built from the ground up by the Rocchios, who also constructed the entire strip mall where the pizzeria now lives. Original owners Patricia and Pat Rocchio opened the business during a snowstorm and, as Pat proudly recalls, “We never closed.”
Over the years, the Rocchios raised four sons, all of whom worked at Classic. All attended nearby Our Lady Queen of Peace and Monsignor Farrell High School before graduating from college.
The Rocchios’ son, Brandon, always loved the business and took over the reins as head pizzaiolo. Now 39, he will step away from the restaurant business due to “health concerns.” Having worked 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through holidays, he said the lifestyle change will be for the better…