PEQUANNOCK — An overnight fire Friday displaced a family of five and left only charred remains of Cosmo Bella Pizza — a fixture in town for nearly 50 years.
The fire, which prompted the evacuation in the apartments above the restaurant, occurred at about 1:10 a.m., Police Capt. Daniel Comune said. There were no injuries.
The scene was cleared just after 7 a.m. as the building was taped off with holes through its roof and walls. The sign that used to hang over the entrance, evocative of the Italian flag with its green, white and red color scheme, sat wedged in the ruins of the roof.
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The cause of the fire does not appear suspicious, Comune said.
The pizzeria was founded by Cosmo and Antoinette Boniello in 1970, who lived in the apartment attached to the restaurant space with their children. The couple operated the pizzeria until 1984, but still own the building and frequently visit the area.
"It was like your memories were burning up in flames," Donna Laterzo, daughter of Cosmo and Antoinette said.
A fundraiser was started on Facebook by Karli Anne Boniello, Antoinette's granddaughter, and has collected over $5,000 since the fire for the family and current pizzeria owners. There are also clothing donations being taking at family-owned Boniello's restaurant in Riverdale.
People mourning the restaurant on a Pequannock Facebook page called it a landmark of the town with great food.
"I grew up on their pizza," one person wrote.
"So sorry for this devastating loss," said another. "Pequannock would not be the same without Cosmo Bella."
Anthony Zurita is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all the major news happening in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Email: zuritaa@northjersey.com Twitter: @AnthonyRZurita
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