London loses a pizza pioneer

London, Ont. – The city’s pizza lovers are mourning the loss of a true local legend. Vito Moretti, the charismatic owner of Vito’s Cave – originally known as Vito’s Pizza – died peacefully on September 17 at the age of 94.

Moretti wasn’t just another restaurateur; he was part of the wave that introduced authentic Italian pizza to London back in the early 1960s. At a time when most diners were still getting used to spaghetti and meatballs, Vito’s Pizza opened its doors with a modest stone‑oven, a handwritten menu and a promise that every slice would taste like it was fresh out of Naples.

“When I was a kid, the first time I stepped into Vito’s Cave, the smell of the oven hit me like a warm hug,” recalled longtime patron Marcia Greene, 68. “Vito made you feel like family, and his pizza? It was the reason I brought my own kids there for birthdays.”

The original storefront, tucked away on Dundas Street, quickly became a gathering spot for students, truck drivers, and anyone craving a slice of genuine Italian comfort. Over the decades, the modest eatery evolved – a small renovation, a name change to Vito’s Cave to reflect the cozy, almost subterranean feel of the dining area – but the heart of the place stayed the same.

Friends describe Moretti as “hard‑working, generous, and always ready with a story.” He was known to greet regulars by name, share a joke while twirling dough, and even hand‑craft special pies for community fund‑raisers. His dedication earned him a spot in the London Hall of Fame for culinary pioneers last year.

Beyond the oven, Vito was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Rosa, two children, and five grandchildren, all of whom plan to keep the family‑run tradition alive. “We’ll keep Vito’s Cave open because he’d want that,” said his son Marco, who has already begun training the next generation of chefs.

The community’s outpouring of sympathy has been overwhelming. A memorial candle service is scheduled for next Thursday at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and a donation box will sit at the restaurant for anyone who wishes to contribute to the Moretti family’s charitable foundation.

Vito Moretti’s legacy isn’t just measured in crusts baked or pizzas sold; it’s in the countless memories forged over a shared table. As London says goodbye to a beloved figure, the scent of fresh basil and mozzarella will linger, reminding everyone that great food – like great people – never truly fades.