The Snob has sad news to report: Mario DiRienzo, the owner of The Famous Roio’s Pizza in New York City, died on September 17, 2012 in Morristown, NJ at the age of 71. He is certainly a true pizza legend as founder of New York City’s original Ray’s Pizza.
Sources have it that Mr. DiRienzo recently opened The Famous Roio’s Pizza with the intention of passing his pizza-making legacy on to his nephew. (See this February 2012 story.)
Our condolences to his family, friends, and customers.
Thanks go out to one of Mario’s biggest fans, Matt Bialer, for sharing this news with us.
PIZZA SNOB RATING **** Near Perfection
Famous Roio’s Pizza
465 Ave of the Americas (corner of 11th Street)
New York, NY 10011
212-243-2253
www.famousroiospizza.com
The Pizza Snob 
This was really sad. As an NYU graduate back in 2001 I would eat here at least once per week, two slice minimum. I always wanted to order a freshly made pie, but always said, “next time.” Unfortunately, there will be no next time for this legend of pizza’s.
Snob, I happen to be visiting NYC at the moment. Do you have any recommendations of places that are as close to this Ray’s as possible? I’m talking as identical in every regard for the slice as possible.
It was sad. I’d try either (or both) Joe’s or Bleecker down in the Village. Enjoy. On my way to NYC myself.