Alfred Osso

Founder of Osso's Original Pizza Shop dies at 90 Alfred Osso, founder of Osso's Original Pizza Shop, died unexpectedly at home in Washington on Monday, September 15, 2003. He was born September 22, 1912 in Belmonte, Calabria, Italy, a son of the late Santo Osso and Carmina Porco Osso. On June 17, 1932, he married Elvera Derrico who died on August 12, 1990. Surviving are one son, Samuel A. Osso and wife Patricia; three daughters, Virginia M. Ullom and husband John; Mary Ann O. Fox and husband Harry; Margaret L. Skariot and husband John; grandchildren Mindy Lee Hughes; Lisa Hasson and husband David; Samuel A. Osso, Jr.; John M. Alberta and wife Jodi; Jennifer A. Skariot of Pittsburgh, and Lisa N. Skariot all of Washington; step-grandchildren Thomas J. Fox and wife Barbara of Virginia; Susan Morgan and husband David of Washington; Lisa Fox-Hawranko and husband James of Pittsburgh; great grandchildren, Mandy Hughes and James Hughes; Kristen and Robert Hasson; Brooke and Blair Alberta all of Washington; step-great grandchildren, Hillary, Kyra and Thomas J. Fox, Jr. of Virginia; Kelly L. Neal and Angela M. LaPosta of Washington. Mr. Osso is also survived by his brothers, Matteo and Guiseppe of Belmonte, Calabria, Italy and his companion, Bessie Keeler, of Canonsburg. Alfred Osso, also known as "Mr. O", came to the United States when he was 16 years old. He worked at the Washington Tin Plate, Penn Manufacturing, and Tri-State Engineering before starting his own business in 1953 after reading an article in Life magazine about pizza. This changed his life and the course of Osso family history. He thought it was a way to make it on his own and immediately went to work establishing Osso's Original Pizza. In a matter of days, he began the process that eventually would change the eating habits of many people living in the Washington area. He opened his original shop at the corner of Woodland and Jefferson Avenues, and shortly after moved in 1959 to its current location on Henderson Avenue. With his ethic of hard work, it gave the business a push and helped turn it into what it is today, making Mr. Osso into a successful business leader. Osso's pizza is not only a local favorite, but has traveled to cities such as Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, London, and many more. He retired in 1985 leaving the business to his son Sam, who, with his family, continues to carry on the Osso tradition. Mr. Osso served in the United States Army in 1944. He was a longtime member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America Alpine Star Lodge #9, a member of the softball team at St. Hilary Church in the 30's, and was an avid Notre Dame and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. OSSO -Friends of Alfred Osso of Washington, who died Monday, September 15, 2003, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. , Mass at St. Hilary's Church Thursday at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Italian Sons and Daughters of America Alpine Star Lodge # 9, 735 Jefferson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 or a charity of your choice.