Al Vento Dies, Co-founded Franco's Italian Army, Owned Pizza Shop

PITTSBURGH, PA - Al Vento, the owner of Vento’s Pizza in East Liberty for decades and the 1970s co-founder of Franco’s Italian Army, the fan club for Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, died Tuesday.

Mr. Vento, of Whitehall, was 89.

A pillar of the East Liberty business community, Mr. Vento operated his Highland Avenue pizza parlor and was a well-known figure in the Italian American community. He received many accolades and awards for his public service, including being named Business Professional of the Year by the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

But Mr. Vento probably was best-known for creating Franco’s Italian Army along with his cousin, Pittsburgh baker Tony Stagno, in 1972 as Harris became a star with the Steelers. All of the proceeds from the organization were donated to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Vento was a four-star general in the army and formed a lifelong bond with Harris, who invited him to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and every celebration of the Immaculate Reception, arguably the most famous play in the NFL history, along with Harris’ Steeler teammates.

A U.S. Army veteran who saw combat overseas in the Korean War, Mr. Vento was a lifelong member of the I.S.D.A. and the Spigno Saturnia Society. He annually attended the Bloomfield Columbus Day Parade and once served as the event’s grand marshal.

Mr. Vento is survived by daughters Mary Ann Dombrowiak (David) of Cleveland, Barbara J. Vento Gawlas (Andrew) of Pittsburgh and son Albert J. Vento (Sherry) of Pittsburgh; grandchildren Lauren Sharifi (Youness) of Philadelphia, Jesse Dombrowiak of Los Angeles, Nicole Mance (Ronald) of Pittsburgh, Albert “A.J.” Vento of Pittsburgh and Veronica Miclot (Samuel) of Pittsburgh; great-grandchildren Adriana, Gianna and Isabella Mance; siblings John Vento, Andrew Vento, Joanne Vento and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Rita.

Visitation will be at McCabe Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 6214 Walnut Street, Shadyside on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Whitehall on Monday at 10 a.m. Those wishing to attend should gather at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. Vento’s name to ALS Association, Western PA Chapter.

Photo via McCable Bros. Inc. Funeral Home.