Iconic Atlantic City Pizzeria Mourns Loss Of Former Owner: 'True Character'

Tarsitano died on Monday, Jan. 8 at 67 years old, according to a Facebook post by Tony's Baltimore Grill. 

"There is an incredibly high chance that if you ate a pizza at Tony’s, it was under the direction of Michael and his family," the Atlantic Avenue restaurant said on Facebook. "We send love and light and healing from all of us at the Baltimore Grill."

Tarsitano was born in Atlantic City on June 29, 1956, the restaurant said. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in political science from La Salle University in Philadelphia and a master's degree in Russian politics from Syracuse University.

Before attending grad school at Syracuse, Tarsitano worked at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City when it opened in 1980. He planned on going to law school, but became an owner of Tony's Baltimore Grill because his parents had health issues.

Fans of the pizzeria mourned Tarsitano's death.

"My deepest condolences to the Tarsitano family," one person posted on the restaurant's Facebook page. "Michael was a true character with all his stories and a nice man to work for!"

Very sorry," another post read. "Please keep strong in faith. I always appreciated time spent with Michael!"

After retiring from the restaurant business, Tarsitano got his teaching certificate. His LinkedIn profile said he was a general education teacher at the Atlantic City Community Charter School.

An obituary said a memorial gathering for Tarsitano and interment of ashes will be held at Laurel Memorial Park in Egg Harbor Township on Saturday, Jan. 13 at noon.

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