To the Editor:

When my husband informed me of the social media post of The Villa Restaurant serving up its last pizzas and dinners last weekend, my immediate response was “no!” That can’t be because Vito makes the best “meat lovers” pizza (with no ham), Zudi alters the rigatoni with the sweet sausage and Patty knows what drink you want before you sit down at a table.

This is what family is … knowing each other, their likes and dislikes, conversations about the kids and what they are doing, did they graduate, get married, have kids, and of course pulling out cell phones to share pictures and proud family moments.

The “circle” room of the restaurant was always our go-to spot over the last 20 plus years. It held our large family gatherings comfortably, celebrating all occasions from birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, too much to list. The main restaurant area was perfect for company parties as well.

Vito’s baby, “Pizza Villa” grew into The Villa Restaurant,” he nursed it 24/7, making sure The Villa was a successful restaurant for everyone to enjoy. Pops taught Vito the art of making pizza, which he perfected. There were times when we ordered pizza, we could tell quick that Vito was on vacation, the pizza was good, but not Vito’s!

If we ordered a meal, Zudi would always cater to “can you change this or leave off the…”. It never was a problem, he always adapted to what the customer wanted, and did it with a smile. There is no one else I know that has more birthdays than Zudi! His birthday always fell on the same day as someone’s we would be celebrating! Zudi, keep enjoying lots more happy birthdays.

Patty would greet customers at the door, know the preference of where they like to sit in the restaurant and know what drinks to prepare, but on the other hand, always asked and never assumed she was correct.

It was always a pleasure when the restaurant wasn’t too busy, we could spend time with everyone. Patty would catch up while working the table, Vito and Zudi would always visit tables towards the end of the meals, making sure not to interrupt dinner, but still making time to see how everyone was doing and were we satisfied with our meals.

It is not the “circle” room or the venue we will miss, it is the people that made it all happen the last four decades. We wish the best to the Kala family, you will not be gone forever or forgotten, but you will be greatly missed. Enjoy your retirement, the next chapter of your lives and watching your kids and grandchildren grow. You all deserve the best.

Sherri Smith Baggett

Newtown

Editor’s Note: Sherri Smith Baggett is the publisher of The Newtown Bee.