Family, friends honor life of pizzeria owner shot and killed one year ago

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dozens honored the life of Rosario Zito Wednesday night. He was the owner of Giovanni’s Pizzeria and was shot and killed outside his shop exactly a year ago.

A year after his death, his family and friends say his spirit and positivity are still all over Giovanni’s, also known as his happy place.

Zito was reportedly closing up shop with two of his employees last August when an armed suspect came in and tried to rob them. When Zito fought back the suspect shot and killed him. 

Zito’s death resonated with so many in the community who know and love Giovanni’s Pizzeria. 

The shop stayed closed for about two months after the shooting, but family members say they reopened because that’s what Zito would have wanted.

His family says this past year has been a rollercoaster, but they’ve leaned on the community and their customers for support, and haven’t been let down.

They say there’s enough positive memories in the shop to last a lifetime.

Watch the video above for more.