Anthony Meluso

Anthony “Tony” Meluso, 71, of Middletown, died Thursday, January 27, 2022.

Born in Sant’Arsenio, Salerno, Italy, Tony was the son of the late Angelo Pietro and Luigia “Gina” (Vricella) Meluso.Tony immigrated to the United States on the SS Cristoforo Colombo when he was 14 years old at the insistence of his parents who wanted him to pursue an education and better opportunities.

He attended Bergenfield High School in Bergenfield, New Jersey graduating in 1968 and later got his Associates degree in Accounting from Bergen County Community College in 1970. In 1978, he moved his family to Harrisburg and opened the famous local pizza shop, Pizza City, where for 23 years he worked incredibly hard to provide for his daughters, made some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza this side of Naples and gave Philly considerable competition in cheesesteaks.

As a restaurant owner, Tony was famous for delivering his dry wit and generous, but no-nonsense, hospitality through an Italian accent that never faded, as well as making his employees and loyal customers (who always had a special meal available to them in the back of the shop) friends that lasted long past his retirement from the restaurant business.

He proudly became an American citizen in 1995, but continued to support S.S.C. Napoli soccer while also becoming a fan of the New York Giants and American football. Tony was a incredibly dedicated and loving father, who in his free time enjoyed cooking, taking his kids on adventures, gardening, and activities that allowed him to enjoy life alfresco.

His gratitude for the smallest pleasures in life--a beautiful summer evening, a boisterous game of Scopa, a song with wonderful memories attached to it, a delicious meal--is the legacy of a life well lived that he leaves with his daughters.

In addition to the two prides of his life, his children Ginette Meluso (David Heimbach) and Angela Bell (Robert), he is survived by his beloved sisters Gerarda Mazzamuto of Carlisle and Maria Genova of Carini, Sicily; and, adored grandchildren, Nathan, Vivian and Lillian.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family with information to come about a spring celebration of his life. Wiedeman Funeral Home Cremation Services, Inc., Oberlin is handling the immediate arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anthony's name to the Shalom House via their website or address of 9 South 15th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104.