The founder of a popular pizza restaurant who is also an award-winning artist and worked with the likes of Kanye West has died.
Antonio Russo, who started up Oscars Pizza in Kings Langley, passed away on Wednesday (June 15) after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019.
In a statement on its website, Oscars Pizza said: “It is with great sadness that we announce today the passing of Tony our founder.
"After a brave and stubborn fight against a brain tumour, he passed away early this morning.
"We, his family, friends and staff, would ask for your understanding at this very difficult time, in the meantime, the restaurant will be closed for two days, as a mark of respect, and will open again on Friday, June 17.
“We are contacting all booked customers to advise them.”
The father-of-two also held a successful career away from the restaurant.
He worked as a music producer including with artists such as Pink and Kanye West, according to his website.
But Mr Russo’s biggest passion was arguably his street art, which he was drawn to as a teenager and went on to win prizes for.
Mr Russo, who was in his late 50s and went by the streetname 'Stony', first began drawing and painting when he was three. Through the years, his work became more successful and displayed around the world, including at galleries at the Louvre in Paris and Miami Art Spectrum.
The street artist, who had been raising money for the Brain Tumour Charity in recent years, struck up a friendship with snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan when the world champion bought one of his canvasses.
Mr O’Sullivan said last year: "He [Mr Russo] is a great friend to me. When I met him I thought 'I really like this guy' - he has a lovely way about him.
"We stayed in, starting talking, eating and watching Formula 1.
"Now I know his family - his daughter and son. We also come from neighbouring villages in Italy so we share that culture, so there was an Italian connection too.
"I love his art. Antonio has his own unique way as an artist and I think it is fantastic."
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