South Queens, New York — I join all of Woodhaven in mourning the passing today of our beloved neighbor Dominick Andrea Rubino Brienza. A neighborhood fixture for over six decades, Dominick came to America from Monteleone di Puglia in Italy as a child, finding his true home of Woodhaven at age 9. Over the years, he operated a delicatessen, laundromat, and the beloved Sal’s Pizza. Besides his small business ventures, Dominick also served the community as a social worker for Catholic Charities, where he specialized in assisting seniors who were the victims of crimes.

Like many others, I will remember Dominick most for the many hours I spent in his pizzeria, including when I brought Mayor Adams to meet him. I will also never forget the time I came to Sal’s Pizza, only for Dominick to remark, “Where’s your red dress?”

Dominick, you will be missed by us all.