'A Gentle Giant': Owner of Antonio's Pizza In Metuchen Dies

METUCHEN, NJ — Jason "Jay" Coppola, the owner of Antonio's Brick Oven Pizza on Main Street Metuchen died recently, according to Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M. Busch.

"Jay was one of the first people that Kathy and I met when we moved to Metuchen because our growing family would stop-in or order-in from Antonio's at least once a week," Busch said ina Facebook post. "As the boys have grown older, they go in on their own and he would always greet them warmly. These are the best things about a small town like ours."

According to his obituary posted on Scotto Funeral Home website, Coppola was described as "a gentle giant, who was much loved by family and friends in Brooklyn, Boston, Florida, New Jersey and New York." He enjoyed watching his favorite teams, NY Mets, NY Giants, and Napoli’s soccer team.

Busch remembered Coppola as "jovial and ready to debate the next topic." "Our banter was always so much fun. I can still picture Jay sharing one of his thoughts while turning one of his delicious pies with his wooden peel to get it further back in the wood-burning oven."

The Mayor said many Metuchen residents shared with him their stories about Coppola and how kind he was to so many. "Jay left his mark on our Main Street and we will miss him dearly."

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