business
Tony Fanara, owner of Italian restaurant Palermo and community pillar, dies at 79
By Christopher Reynolds at Los Angeles Times - California
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
He was known for taking care of people, feeding first responders and city employees amid the Los Angeles riots of 1992, after the Northridge earthquake of 1994 and at the beginning of the pandemic.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
Tony Fanara's passing leaves a void in the community, where his Italian restaurant Palermo was more than just a business, but a gathering place that reflected his commitment to the people of Los Angeles. His actions during times of crisis, such as feeding first responders and city employees during the 1992 riots and the 1994 Northridge earthquake, demonstrate the kind of civic-mindedness that has become a hallmark of local small business owners. As the city continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, Fanara's legacy serves as a testament to the impact one person can have on their community. His restaurant, a staple in the neighborhood, will likely continue to be a place where residents can come together, just as Fanara had envisioned. The community will be watching to see how Palermo evolves, and how his family and staff will carry on his tradition of generosity and community spirit.
About this story
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Category: business ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? He was known for taking care of people, feeding first responders and city employees amid the Los Angeles riots of 1992, after the Northridge earthquake of 1994 and at the beginning of the pandemic.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Christopher Reynolds at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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