Obituary of Joseph P. Bari

November 5, 2025

Joseph P. Bari passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025. Born on July 12, 1947, in the small town of Bagheria, Sicily, he was a devoted husband to his wife Vickie, and loving father to Santina, Gina, Steven, and daughter-in-law Alana.

From humble origins, he became a restaurateur and property owner in Manhattan and Queens for over 60 years. Joseph valued hard work and family over everything. He established Ray Bari Pizza in 1973 on East 76th St and Third Ave, which expanded to over 12 locations, as well as frozen goods. The pizza box appeared on numerous television shows, including Friends. The Ray Bari Pizza tagline was a point of pride: "The only pizza worthy of its family name."

Papa, Pop, or Zio, as he was called, enjoyed cinematography and filmmaking, especially sci-fi and big-budget action films like 007 and Indiana Jones. His favorite theater was the Ziegfeld, and he would always excitedly escort you to his favorite seat, 6 rows from the screen, right in the middle of the row.

He was an avid writer, artist, storyteller, and ambitiously imaginative. He designed every artistic inch of his restaurants, from the recipes to the floor plan, layout, and even the furniture. If it did not exist, he would find a way to make it a reality. He loved public policy shows like the McLaughin Group and discussing politics; always focusing on incorporating different viewpoints.

He is survived by his loving wife, and three adult children, their spouses and pets, who miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the American Diabetes Association.

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