Portland, Maine, Pizzaiolo Owner Pat Scally Sadly Passes Away

Portland, Maine's Pizzaiolo announced on Thursday, July 9, on its Facebook page, the tragic passing of its owner, Pat Scally.

In the Facebook post remembering Pat, Pizzaiolo shared, "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Pat, the heart and soul of Pizzaiolo. Your passion, dedication, and love for pizza touched the lives of so many. You built more than a restaurant. You built a community, creating a place where family, friends, and neighbors came together. Your legacy will live on, and you will never be forgotten."

A photo of Pat throwing pizza dough in the air accompanied the post, along with additional text recognizing Scally: "You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always in our hearts."

Pat Scally and Pizzaiolo in Portland, Maine

Pat opened Pizzaiolo back in 2016 and, according to West End News, had over 30 years of pizza experience under his belt when he brought the New York slices to Cumberland Avenue in Portland.

Pizzaiolo even gained national recognition when Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy visited and reviewed the pizza.

He not only called it the "best pizza in the Old Port," but gave it a fantastic 8 out of 10 rating.

That kind of spotlight only further highlighted what a lot of locals already knew: Pat and his pizza were a Portland staple.

Reactions to Portland, Maine, Pizzaiolo Owner Pat Scally's Passing

It's no surprise there were hundreds of reactions to the social media post. Many of them offered condolences and fond memories of Pat.

Just looking at the numerous comments and reactions to the Facebook post highlights the impact the pizza owner had on the local community.

Take a look at some of them below:

"If you knew Pat, you knew he has the biggest heart under that gruff exterior. He wrote me the nicest note on my last day at Pizzaiolo. There is no other Pie Guy like you Pat. You will be greatly missed. Wheelies and burnouts in Heaven. RIP"

"Pat was a legend in Biddeford! Back in the days of Spinners Pizza, he used to deliver pizzas to Pops Tavern 2 for our beer-and-pizza happy hour. He had a huge heart and will be deeply missed."

"Rest easy Pat, thank you for the motorcycle rides and job at Pizzaiolo. Thinking of the whole Scally family."

"There is only one Pat Scally , BEST EVER Pie Guy and friend to many, many other quality people. My heart hurts for his immediate and extended family 💔 he's just irreplaceable."

"RIP Patrick. Thank you for bringing good pizza to Portland. You raised the bar and continue to be the goal standard of pizza north of NYC."

"Sending Prayers to Pats family and to the Pizzaiolo staff."

Between the national recognition and the outpouring from the Maine community, it's clear Pat Scally's legacy extends well beyond the pizza he served.

Rest easy, Pat. Portland won't forget you.