After 36 years and two generations, a Staten Island family’s pizza legacy is coming to an end

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Creators of a stellar “Pizza Rustica” and the last stewards of the “Classic Pizza” brand will serve their final pies from 3201 Richmond Rd. on Father’s Day weekend. Regardless of the weather, the tiny 10-seat parlor owned by the Rocchio family has served the Richmond neighborhood for 36 years.

Founded in 1989, Classic Pizza was built from the ground up by the Rocchios, who also constructed the entire strip mall where the pizzeria now lives. Original owners Patricia and Pat Rocchio opened the business during a snowstorm and, as Pat proudly recalls, “We never closed.”

Over the years, the Rocchios raised four sons, all of whom worked at Classic. All attended nearby Our Lady Queen of Peace and Monsignor Farrell High School before graduating from college.

The Rocchios’ son, Brandon, always loved the business and took over the reins as head pizzaiolo. Now 39, he will step away from the restaurant business due to “health concerns.” Having worked 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through holidays, he said the lifestyle change will be for the better.

Brandon said, “I have four kids under 8-years old. My last son was born without me. There’s a price to be paid for being in this business. You miss weddings, you miss graduations....”

He added, “I don’t mind the work at all. It’s the health.”

What’s next at the location?

After June 15, proprietors of Pizza Mia in Rosebank will assume the location. Brandon thinks highly of them and considers them an extension of his own family.

He said, “They are experienced and phenomenal. My customers will love them.”

In turn, Brandon said, “I appreciate what all these customers have done for Classic. Without our patrons and great neighbors, we wouldn’t exist.”

At its peak, Classic Pizza was part of a small local empire, with four locations run by fellow family members. The first Classic opened in Rosebank. A second location came to Forest Avenue near the former JC Penney, then to Tottenville at Yetman Ave. and Amboy Rd. The transition to Pizza Mia will bring to a close a legacy of Classic Pizza on Staten Island: This Richmond spot was the last remaining one in the borough.

“Everything has its time,” Patricia said. “I don’t mind the work at all. It’s the health that we have to care for now.”

The Rocchios’ restaurant lives

Indeed, the Rocchios are well-baptized in the food industry’s long-hours and grit. Pat and Patricia met while waitressing at the former Riviera Chateau, now a strip mall in Oakwood of the same name.

Pat began working for the Coppotelli family at 14, initially with three days a week. His first job was as a dishwasher and, by 21, he became a Riviera Chateau maitre d’. Patricia credits Frank Coppotelli Sr. for the foundations of the couple’s work ethic and attention to detail.

Many long-time Staten Islanders might recall Patricia’s own entrepreneurship. She opened Classic Bagels a few doors down from the pizzeria in 1995 and sold the operation in 2008.

She said, “My objective was that I had four sons and everyone had to go to college.” The goal kept her going gladly to work each day at 4:30 a.m.

Brandon remembers a youth spent behind the Classic counter. The ebb and flow of pizza life began for him at four years old. Standout memories include one season at the South Beach amusement park concession, now the site of townhomes. The shop even had its moments of fame, hosting crews from Law & Order: SVU and serving Met star David Wright. For a die-hard Amazins’ fan, it was a watershed moment.

Brandon held up a photo of him and Wright. He said firmly, “I’m taking this with me.”

Patricia said Classic Pizza earned its loyal following thanks to consistent quality. It never needed advertising despite competition in the delivery zone — word-of-mouth from patrons kept the business steady.

One standout menu item has been the pizza rustica. By Classic’s standards, this thin Sicilian, almost Grandma-style pie, is topped with fresh mozzarella, zesty San Marzano tomatoes, fresh baby spinach leaves, and basil. Its umami comes from a briny pecorino Romano cheese finish; a firm cheese and crunchy crust contribute to its unique mouthfeel.

Classic will become Pizza Mia on Monday, June 16. Rocchio is excited for the new owners. He feels Pizza Mia’s roots in Rosebank are similar to Classic’s own beginnings. Brandon says the shared history only solidifies Pizza Mia’s bright future on Richmond Road.

Classic’s small staff includes manager Jordan Hertz. Originally a dishwasher in the back-of-the-house, he is now making his way through the FDNY Academy and owns a full-service video production company. Hertz said, “I’m not sure where my life would be without Brandon Rocchio who is a true friend.“

Hertz called out Brandon’s generosity to the neighborhood, particularly with school and first responder discounts plus donations to Red Cross workers during Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic. He hopes people will come to say “goodbye” to his Classic family as the Rocchios say “hello” to a new life outside the professional kitchen.

Classic is located at 3201 Richmond Rd., and can be reached at 718-987-2500. The hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance/Silive.com Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.