Nino Maltese, son of the late Filippo and Margherita Maltese, passed on January 11, 2019 at the age of 85 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Originally from Cinisi, Sicily, Nino came to America in 1956, finding great success and going on to open over a dozen pizzerias. Over the years, he decided to sell those businesses, but held on to one that was incredibly dear to him – his Lansdale location. Nino was a Lansdale legend – known as the king of pizza. Nino’s Pizza has been a staple in the community for over 50 years. He was incredibly passionate about his business and his craft. Even well into his eighties, Nino could be found at the pizza shop each morning making his famous sauce – stating no one could make it the way he could. And he was right! Everyone who knew “Mr. Nino” adored him – he was the kindest, most generous, loving man there was. A lover of Italian music, horses and blackjack – nothing filled Nino’s heart like spending time with his family.
Nino is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Josephine Maltese; his children, Margaret Maltese, Philip Maltese and his wife, Christina; his grandchildren, Gabriella Cerminara and her husband, Nicholas, Anthony Maltese, Joseph Chapman, Angelina Chapman, Philip Maltese, and Madison Maltese. He is also survived by numerous siblings and their spouses, as well as countless customers who have become like his family over the years. His passing was preceded by his late son, Salvatore Maltese.
He will be so greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during Nino’s viewing, which will take place from 6:00-9:00PM on Tuesday, January 15 at Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home (532 East Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446). Another viewing will take place from 9:30-10:30AM on Wednesday, January 16 at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church (1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA 19454), followed by a funeral mass at 11:00AM. A burial will take place at St. John Neumann Cemetery.
Maltese family
I’m so sorry to hear about nino
We are so sorry for your loss, and have truly appreciated the warmth and kindness your whole family has shared with our family. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
The Burks
So sad Nino passed he’ll be missed . I remember him growing up his pizza shop in North Wales. This area lost a good man I’ll never forget him. Thanks for the memories Nino.
Becky Banes Meyers
My sincere condolences to the whole Maltese family. Nino was a very funny kind man with a lot of great stories as well as the secret sauce. Nino will dearly be missed. With ❤️ to all of you at this time of sorrow. Many nino spread his wings now. Rest easy kind sir you were a lansdale legend. With love the noonan family(aka) as your bacco family! God bless nino and the whole family. Thank you for always treating me like family!
sending love and prayers for our family patriarch Nino!! You all are in our prayers.
anne and karen zimmerman
Whenever I saw my cousin nino he lit up the room loving funny good hearted always put you in a good mood I’ll never forget him I think of him and brings smile will never be forgotten RIP love ❤️
To the “Principale” the man who contributed to my success, I will certainly miss you, Condolences to his wife and children. Alex and family
Sorry. For your loss.
My dear friends Josephine, Margaret, Philip, and family, my heart is heavy, just as yours is. I’m deeply saddened to hear of Nino’s passing. In all the years we have known each other, you and your father always treated me like family, and I feel the same about you all. I will always cherish the times we had together at the pizza shop. Nino, like all of you, taught me so much about cooking that I thought I already knew, but really didn’t, and although the years have passed since then l still enjoy cooking Nino’s way and when I share food with my family and other friends they always say, “how do you make this so tasty and good?” And my response is- I learned from my friends at Nino’s. Your father treated me like a son, and I respected and loved him as a father. It was really hard to lose my father and now have lost 2 fathers. God bless you all, and may God bless your father’s soul as well. I look forward to seeing you all soon, I love you all!
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, my condolences to the entire family. Nino’s has been a go-to for so many decades. Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Sending love and prayers to the entire Maltese family. May God hold you and comfort you during your time in mourning, and may he give you peace in knowing how loved you all are by the many who are sharing your grief. Godspeed
Pat sawanowich
Uncle Nino was the best. One of the good guys who did nothing his entire life but work hard and made people laugh. He’s always pay my Father compliments on his ties and shoes and he will be greatly missed by my Mom, his sister Antinette…we’ll miss seeing him at Parx Casino. Rest In Peace my dear Uncle. You were one of the best.
Sean
He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Maltese family. RIP Nino ❤
Thank you for being the great business owner that you were for tolerating all the shenanigans of the teens of lansdale during the 70s and 80s. Thoughts and prayers for Nino and the family
Sending my love and preyers ❤️ he will be missed dearly! My favorite childhood memories was going to Nino’s pizza!