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Farewell to the man who made a million pizzas
PIZZA CHEF: Giuseppe FaliveneA CHEF fondly known as the singing pizza man for entertaining customers with his operatic outbursts while he worked, has died aged 77.
Giuseppe Falivene, better known as Pinu, is thought to have made more than a million pizzas in a career spanning four decades and became a main attraction at one of Leeds's first Italian restaurants.
Pinu, originally from Salerno, Italy, learned his trade in his home town at a restaurant owned by his late brother-in-law Salvo Dammone.
He finally hung up his pizza shovel in 1996 after working a further 20 years with Salvo in his eponymous eaterie in Headingley.
Until very recently he still called in at nearby Salvo's Cafe and Salumeria every morning for an espresso and to keep an eye on nephews Gip and John Dammone, who took over their father's business.
Pinu died last week at Leeds General Infirmary after a short illness.
John said: "He was one of those characters who would cheer the atmosphere and ambience when he walked into a room.
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Over 10 years have passed since he retired and we still have customers coming in with fond memories of happy times with him.
"These original customers now return with their own children and grandchildren."
He returned to his former workplace only last year as part of the restaurant's 30th birthday celebration, where he helped prepare his legendary Millionario pizza.
Pinu left Italy in 1962 to follow his sweetheart Giuseppina to England after she moved here to join her sister Nunzia, Salvo's wife.
He leaves his wife, children Giulia and Luigi and grandchildren Zalia and Miles.
His funeral will take place at Immaculate Heart Church on Harrogate Road, Leeds, on Monday.
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