East Liberty’s Vento’s Pizza, home of ‘Franco’s Italian Army,’ closing

Vento’s Pizza has been in business for nearly seven decades in East Liberty.

It’s best known as the hub for “Franco’s Italian Army.”

But after Saturday, it’s closing its doors for good.

Memories fill Al Vento’s office.

It was his father who started the family business.

Customers are sorry to see the pizzeria go, but Vento is ready for the next chapter in his life: retirement.

“It was a tough decision, very tough, to leave a community that has surrounded you with love, respect for a long time,” said Al Vento Jr. “And I appreciate all that. It was a hard decision. But you have to do what you gotta do for yourself. if you don’t take care of yourself, then you can’t take care of the other people you want to take care of.”

Firefighters hold charity event for family of 6-year-old girl who died after being hit by a car A Westmoreland County community is coming together after a 6-year-old was tragically killed Friday.

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