TIVOLI, April 6, 2026 – Tivoli is mourning the loss of Giuseppe La Rosa, affectionately known as ‘Pippo,’ the legendary panini maker whose shop on Via San Valerio became an institution. Pippo, who was 81, passed away overnight, leaving behind a legacy of culinary delight and community spirit that extended far beyond the confines of his beloved town.
A Culinary Icon and Community Hub
Pippo’s panini shop, established in the 1980s, was more than just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot, a landmark, and a testament to the power of simple, good food. His creations were so renowned that people would travel 40 kilometers from Rome just to experience them. Locals recall countless nights spent queuing outside his shop, eager to savor one of Pippo’s legendary sandwiches.
His passing comes just three years after another tragedy struck the La Rosa family: the premature death of his son, Massimo, who had worked alongside his father in the shop and passed away at only 53 years old.
An ‘Influencer Before His Time’
Riccardo Luciani, former Tivoli Culture Councillor and president of the Nazzano Tevere Farfa Regional Nature Reserve, paid tribute to Pippo on Facebook, calling him an “influencer ante litteram.” Luciani’s heartfelt message underscored Pippo’s profound impact on the town’s identity:
“Are you from Tivoli? In Tivoli there is Pippo,” Luciani wrote. “You were an influencer before your time, without even knowing it and without having social media. Your name was on par with Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. Many copied you, but you were unique. How many nights after postings or trips did I come to eat your panini. Yours was a meeting point for many young people: you fed everyone, the homeless and those who had no money. It was an honor for me to award you for your 30 years of activity on August 10, 2012. No authority had ever done it before. But you represented so much for the city, for all the Tiburtini and beyond. Rest in peace with your son.”
Pippo’s generosity and his role as a provider for all, regardless of their circumstances, cemented his status as a beloved figure in Tivoli. His shop was a place where everyone felt welcome, a testament to his warm spirit and dedication to his community.
A Lasting Legacy
Giuseppe La Rosa’s passing marks the end of an era for Tivoli. His paninis were not just food; they were a part of the town’s cultural fabric, a taste of home for countless residents and visitors. His memory will undoubtedly live on in the stories shared, the flavors remembered, and the indelible mark he left on the heart of Tivoli.
Pippo’s family has received an outpouring of condolences from across the region, highlighting the deep respect and affection the community held for him.
