Gaspare “Jack” Fallucca, founder of Palermo Villa Inc. in Milwaukee, passed away in his sleep Thursday, the company announced.
Chris Dresselhuys, director of marketing for the company, issued the following statement: “The entire Palermo’s Pizza family is deeply saddened to announce that our company’s beloved founder, Gaspare ‘Jack’ Fallucca (Papa Palermo), entered into eternal life this morning at the age of 82 from natural causes. He will be dearly missed. Papa Palermo is a legendary figure and pioneer in the frozen pizza business. He brought numerous innovations to our industry…There really were no extenuating maladies, Papa passed peacefully in his sleep.”