President of iconic Columbus-style pizza brand, renowned Columbus businessman, dies at 84

The renowned Columbus businessman behind the modern face of Massey’s Pizza, Dave Pallone, has passed away at the age of 84.

Pallone, who purchased Massey’s with his brother, James “Jed” Pallone, in 1999, rebuilt the pizza chain from a financially troubled brand to one that is today one of the hallmarks of Columbus-style pizza, with more than a dozen locations across Central Ohio and one eatery in South Carolina.

“The entire Massey’s community is deeply saddened by his (Dave’s) loss. He was larger than life and always had time to lend an ear and/or give sound advice.” Massey’s SMO Rich Folk told 614Now. “Dave, along with his brother Jed, were responsible for important developments over the years like the lunch buffet, the Deep Dish Sicilian Pizza (formally The Godfather), our Strombolis and the Massey’s Pizza sports bars.”

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In addition to his work with Massey’s, Pallone was a well-respected Columbus business owner from as far back as the 1960’s. According to Folk, he was involved with local businesses like Screamin’ Willies, King Tut’s, Rosie O’Grady’s, East Dallas, The Lost City of Atlantis, Club Dance and more.

He was born in Columbus in 1941.

You can read about Massey’s, and the role it and the Pallone brother played in the history of Columbus-style pizza below.

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