La Porchetta founder dies in motorbike crash

[Silversurfer]

Just for those who frequented the Carlton Pizza Shop over the years.

Posted in THE AGE today.

La Porchetta founder dies in motorbike crash MEGAN LEVY
March 26, 2010 - 4:05PM


Rocco 'Rocky' Pantaleo.
The millionaire founder of the La Porchetta pizza restaurant chain has been killed in a motorcycle crash in St Kilda this afternoon.

Rocco "Rocky" Pantaleo, the former Italian migrant turned pizza chef and philanthropist, died when his motorbike collided with a car at the busy St Kilda Junction - a notorious road accident blackspot - about 11.30am.

The crash occurred just 120 metres from the Albert Park racing track, where large crowds have gathered in the precinct ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

The busy intersection of St Kilda Road, Fitzroy Street and Barkly Street was closed to traffic for about four hours while officers from the crash investigation unit assessed the scene.

VicRoads warned motorists to expect "severe delays" on streets surrounding the crash site.

Motorists travelling in the area were urged to seek alternative routes, the spokeswoman said.

A local worker said the traffic lights on the corner of Punt and St Kilda roads were not operating and traffic was backing up.

"It's only going to get worse down here," he said. "We're expecting big crowds this afternoon, with the grand prix on over the way," said Evan, a worker at the Pint on Punt Hotel.

A spokeswoman for La Porchetta confirmed that Mr Pantaleo, 53, had been killed in the crash but could not provide any further details.

In 1985, Mr Pantaleo converted a rundown Rathdowne Street restaurant into a popular venue that has spawned an international franchise chain.