Former Athy takeaway owner laid to rest

TRIBUTES have flooded in for a well-known Athy businessman who has been laid to rest. Gino Talossi was known to countless people in Athy and its hinterland for his operation of the former Pizza Pan outlet on Duke Street. Mr Talossi’s Requiem Mass took place last Friday morning at St Michael’s Parish Church in Athy. A private cremation was held afterwards.

At his funeral mass, three symbols were presented as a celebration of his life – an espresso cup to symbolise Mr Talossi’s love of his coffee which he would have first thing in the morning; a worktop with the words 'Pizza Pan' emblazoned on it, symbolising his work ethic and the pride and love he had in his business at 19 Duke Street; and one of his baseball caps with the word 'Italy' on it, representing his love of his Italian roots which he was so proud of.

“He came to Ireland when he was 15 years of age, he went to work with his brothers who were working in takeaways, firstly in Dungarvan,” Fr Liam Rigney told those gathered. “Then he ended up with his own takeaway in the Pizza Pan here in the mid-1990s, there in 19 Duke Street. At that time it was the only pizza place in Athy and it was very popular... he had a very good work ethic and particularly very good with the staff.” Mourners on RIP.ie have described him as “a proper gentleman loved by all who knew him,” and a “great friend and neighbour who you could always rely on.” Mr Talossi was predeceased by his granddaughter Lucy Marie and is deeply regretted by his loving children Elisa, Tanya, Adamo, Gino and Serena. Nono (grandfather) to Luke, Kaitlyn, Ella-Mai, Jack and Kailum. He is sadly missed and loved by Lisa and Umberto, family, friends and the staff of St Vincent's Hospital, Athy.