Tucson Mourns 'OG Pizza Man' Dino Choni, Founder of Tino's Pizza

TUCSON, AZ — Since 1984, Dino Chonis served as Tucson's pizza man, but this week, more than 30 years after the family-owned Tino's Pizza served its first slice, the business is in mourning. On Monday, the store's Facebook page announced that Chonis had passed away at age 59.

"It is with unbearable sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved friend, mentor, father, husband and OG Pizza Man," the post said. "In order to respect the family and loved ones during this time, the shop will be closed for afew days in honor of Dino."

In place of a service, the store is asking "friends and family and anyone who shared a memory with Dino" to stop by the restaurant in Old Pueblo and write a message on the broad white surface of the building's western wall. The surface appears to be already is filling up with condolences and stories about the beloved pizza man.

While Tino's Pizza closed for several days earlier this week in honor of Chonis, the store is now reopened for pick up and delivery according to its Facebook page.