05/27/2025
Today, we want to take a moment to recognize and deeply appreciate everyone coming together to honor the life and legacy of our beloved Onorato.
Your commemoration reflect the same love and connection that made their presence so special. It’s beautiful to see the community come together, not just to mourn, but to celebrate a life that gave us so much.
Sad News: The Founder of GONDOLA PIZZA, Onorato Agrusa, has passed away. He is a legend of La Mirada. The City Council will adjourn the meeting this coming Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in honor of Mr. Agrusa.
Onorato Agrusa was born on April 18, 1938 in Balestrate Sicily during World War II.
He was the second youngest of seven brothers. In 1962, after serving in the Italian Navy, he came to the US at 24 years of age to marry the love of his life Josephine.
Onorato was determined to achieve this “American Dream” he had heard of and immediately began working tirelessly. In 1970 he opened Gondola Pizza in his beautiful home city of La Mirada and instantly became the town favorite.
With his brilliant recipes, he has served thousands of families delicious meals, sponsored hundreds of local sports team and has just been a place that many consider home.
If you ask anyone from La Mirada or surrounding cities about Gondolas you will get a heartfelt story about their time there. He gave himself the American name “Sam” to better connect to his customers and he did just that. He and his wife Josephine knew everyone by name and greeted all guests as if they were family.
Gondola Pizza is one of the oldest and most respected establishments in La Mirada and the City is honored to recognize and commend the impact Onorato and his family have made in our community over the last 60 years. Although Onorato was very proud of his success he was most proud of his three children Carlo, Vince and Maria and his 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Godspeed Onorato!
