John Porco became a Glen Rock staple in 1983 when he opened Johns Boy Pizza at 206 1/2 Rock Road. He came here from Calabria, Southern Italy. After working in a pizza shop in New York City in 1957, he and his wife wanted to open up their own shop. This then lead up to Opening Hence John’s Boy 1983. He ran the shop with his wife, Francesca, and daughter Patrizia. When he opened he wanted his strong Italy trainings to come out in his food. This included the traditional Italy thin-crust pizza with homemade crust and sauce.
After opening in Glen Rock, John hired a “kid” from Naples Italy to help with the pizzas named Umburto. Umburto and Patrizia grew together and in love. When it was time for John to retire, he passed the keys over to the two of them. Since then, recipes have not been changed and they pride themselves on continuing using fresh ingredients.
Glen Rock residents of the past and current hold John in in a special place in their heart. You can read their comments on different Facebook posts. The ones that stick out include:
“A true LEGEND! RIP Chicho”, Phil Gulmy
“He welcomed all with a friendly smile and made you feel like family. He will be forever missed but never forgotten. RIP John”, Sharon Hudson
“RIP sir. A true Glen Rock Icon”, Mike O’Hagen
“So many memories of hanging out in John’s Boy after school. I don’t know how John was able to put up with a large group of teenagers basically taking up space in his restaurant, but he did. We all felt like we had a special relationship with him. Especially when he would give us nicknames like “Smiley” not realizing he called many people that! Lol. John, you will be greatly missed.” Tina O’Shea
John’s Boy will be closed from April 10 -16 in memory of John.
Funeral services:
Visitation : Thursday, April 13th 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the A. K. Macagna Funeral Home – 495 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
Funeral mass : Friday, April 14th 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Madonna Church – 270 Hoefleys Ln, Leonia, NJ 07605
Click here for more info.
