WARREN, Ohio - The namesake of a longtime Valley restaurant has died.

Leo DelGarbino Sr. was the man behind a small pizza shop on Warren's west side called Parkman Road Dairy that opened in 1968.

The spot became a well-known destination for Leo's original white pizza.

Leo and Fran DelGarbino teamed up with their son Leo Jr. to open Leo's Ristorante in 1982. The success of the restaurant led to the creation of Leo's Ristorante and Banquet Center's creation.

The family posted to Facebook calling Leo Sr. the heart and soul behind Leo's Ristorante.

"He created a place that felt like home, where everyone was treated like family," the post said. "If you knew him, you probably caught him sneaking a snooze in a booth, enjoying a sunny day on the patio, riding his bike around the parking lot, or taking a nip of a little "brown water" with anyone who wanted a drink with him in the bar."