Giovanni Mosconi, a longtime Bay Ridge resident and beloved Greenwich Village restaurateur, died Tuesday after a short illness. He was 85.
Mosconi, was a daily communicant at St. Anselm’s Church in Bay Ridge and a devoted family man to his four children and his wife Lucia of 37 years, who predeceased him.
Born in the northern mountainous region of Piacenza, Italy, Mosconi was a veteran of the Italian Army stationed at Lake Como. In his 20s, he moved to London, where he met his wife and went on to become a noted restaurateur in London and then later in Greenwich Village.
The eldest of 7 siblings, he along with his brother and sisters owned and operated Monte’s Trattoria and Villa Mosconi Restaurants, stalwarts of the West Village gastronomic scene for more than a generation.
"He had a humble, sweet and magnetic personality," said Bob McGee, a long-time family friend. "He loved everyone and treated everyone the same. He was a very strong man with a very tender loving heart.''
Mosconi is survived by his beloved children, Gianpaolo, Franco (Marie), Marco and Angela (Jack); seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, six siblings, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.
Viewing will be Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Noon on Wednesday at St. Anselm's Church (356 82nd St., Brooklyn, NY) by Monsignor David Cassato.
Mosconi will be be buried in London alongside his cherished wife Lucia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Giovanni Mosconi to the Missionaries of Charity, 657 Washington St., New York, NY 10014, or to the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal at https://www.franciscanfriars.com/donate
Condolences may be sent to his children at 215 Willets Ln, Jericho, NY 11753