South End pizzeria owner of nearly 50 years, passed away

Photo via John Quint Trevino funeral home

The longtime owner of a former South End pizzeria has passed away.

According to his obituary, Emilio “Mel” Joesph Ranalli died at the age of 98 on Jan. 26.

Ranalli, a WWII veteran, was the owner of the South Side Johnny’s Pizza—which was located at 1336 Parsons Ave.—for nearly 50 years (47 years, according to his obituary).

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Ranalli’s visitation will be held Feb. 5, from 10 a.m.-noon, with a celebration of life service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Honor Flight Columbus or Tunnel to Tower. He is survived by his three children and grandchildren.

Johnny’s Pizza, which opened its first location in 1953, operated two South Side Columbus locations, in addition to one in the Hilltop, which was located at 1455 Sullivant Ave. Today, all three Johnny’s Pizza locations are now closed.

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