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coffee food roots community blog gift cards

Out of respect…

Written by Amy
Apr 29, 2012

He was my pal and I hope he thought of me in the same way.  On Friday, our neighbor and customer, Mr. Cardillo, passed away.  I met Mr. Cardillo about 15 years ago when I was trying to open tazza doro.  A few neighbors were opposed to a coffee shop opening on Highland Ave and he was one of them…but he was sitting on the fence, so to speak, waiting to hear more about my plan.  Through the 2 year process of zoning hearings, community meetings and community building Mr Cardillo became a supporter and customer.  We became friends!

We spent many days sharing an espresso, a sfogliatelle, and stories about being Italian, the “old country”, planting and growing a garden.  I think Mr Cardillo only met my mom once or twice but there wasn’t a time he didn’t ask “how’s mama?”  I came to realize one day he asked out of shear respect…respect for me and what my mom means to me!

As most of you know, I tend to wear cycling caps while I’m working.  On this particular day I had a new one on, Cinelli, maker of Italian bikes.  Mr Cardillo really liked the cap and I gave it to him.  Really glad I took this picture of him sitting at the shop wearing the Cinelli cap!

Arrivederci paisano!

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment
Lori
Great photo! Sweet post...
Susan
Lovely. One of the things I am most grateful for is being in one place long enough to feel like I'm part of a community. Maybe more accurate to say a number of overlapping communities... And babies are born and grow up, and others pass. Thanks for sharing this.
Sue
How sweet & beautiful! He is a cherished friend to us also, Amy!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! He touched many hearts & lives! We love you Guido and will miss you deeply! Susan & Michael
chris field
Thank you for remembering Mr. Cardillo, Amy. You've made a wonderful place for our community to build and call home. I am sure Mr. Cardillo recognized & appreciated that.
Maureen Dolan
I was saddened to see Guido's obituary in the paper today. I didn't know him well, but spent about an hour with him one afternoon during my walk through the neighborhood. I saw him walking in front of his house and ask him how he was doing.... He said "Not so good". He proceeded to talk to me about life's ups and downs and then took me to his back yard to look at his garden. He was a sweet man and had a lot to say. I always think of him fondly when I pass his house. He will be missed by this neighborhood. God Bless you Guido!
Angela
Dear Amy, Thank you for your beautiful article about my grandfather. I love Tazza D'Oro. Every time I come to Pittsburgh, your coffee shop and the whole neighborhood make me feel like home. The picture is beautiful. Angela De Martiis, Italy
Fabio Guerra
Hi Amy, even if I don´t know you I really appreciate your article, your feelings and your picture about MR. Cardillo. I just met him in 2009 for few days, but I still remember his voice, his speach and what he told me about his small village in Italy. He was a great person, for me will be impossible to forget him. Thanks Guido, you will live forever in our hearts! Fabio
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