The Ahwatukee dining community is reeling after family-run Bell’ Italia Pizzeria announced Monday that owner and chef Mario Caputo had died unexpectedly.
‘‘Mario’s passion for food and family was well known,’’ the restaurant posted on social media. ‘‘He treated his guests like family, always with a cheering smile and good humor.
‘‘Mario left behind a great legacy, his dedication to family & friends was without limits and he will be greatly missed.’’
Caputo and his wife, Paolo, opened their old-school Italian restaurant near the southeast corner of Chandler and 48th Street in 2002.
Condolences to Caputo’s family and friends.
