The co-owner of Frank Pepe Pizzeria, Gary Bimonte, has died, the restaurant announced Thursday.

The New Haven pizza chain posted to Twitter, "The New Haven location will be closed for all business today, April 8th, as we mourn the passing of our brother and friend, Gary Bimonte."

The 61-year-old's family says he died of a heart attack at his Wallingford home.

The business posted an official family statement on their website that reads, "It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Gary Bimonte. Gary was a wonderful brother, son, uncle, and friend to so many, and he was loved by all of us.

Gary was the pride and joy of the Pepe's family, and there are no words to express the immense void that his passing has left in our hearts. He truly loved and cherished our family's history, and he was so proud of the legacy that has carried through all these years.

Gary was incredibly grateful for all of the happiness that our family brought to so many people through our love of pizza, and he really embodied the heritage and tradition that Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is known for today. He will be terribly missed by so many people.

The family is requesting privacy during this time of grieving.

Our New Haven location will be closed for all business today, April 8th."

Gov. Ned Lamont also posted to Twitter, "Gary was as much of an icon and cornerstone of #NewHaven as anyone. A man with big heart, Gary was immensely proud and dedicated to his family, employees and greater community. Our thoughts are with the Bimonte family and everyone at Pepe's Pizzeria as we all mourn their loss."

Bimonte and his relatives run the Pepe's locations including in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York.