A Pizzeria with a Heart
Master Pizza Raises Awareness of Rare Genetic Disease By Deborah Schapiro, photos by Dan Epstein Armando Tauro
Rocco Rotondo
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ike local businesses everywhere, Master Pizza is a big supporter of its own community. Marylee Castronovo, owner with her husband Frank, notes, “We always give to the Livingston police department, public schools and sports teams.” In addition to donations of pizza, however, Master Pizza raises funds and awareness of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is a rare and ultimately fatal genetic disease in which the absence of a protein called dystrophin causes the body’s muscles—ultimately including the heart—to progressively weaken.
The Castronovos are supporters of JAR of Hope, an organization which funds ongoing research aimed at curing and ending DMD. JAR of Hope was founded by James and Karen Raffone of Manalapan in 2013 after their son was diagnosed with the illness; JAR refers to his initials (James Anthony Raffone). Marylee explains, “This hits close to home for us, because Jim and Karen are neighbors and friends of ours.” To support the Raffones, Frank, Marylee and members of their family created Castronovo Cares, an initiative with the aim of raising $100,000 by the end of 2017. In order to meet this goal, Master Pizza and 12 other Castronovoowned pizzerias throughout New Jersey will, for the rest of this year, donate $1 of every $9.99 large cheese pizza purchased to JAR of Hope.
In addition to their charitable efforts, Marylee says, “We pride ourselves on great customer service, prompt delivery, and of course really good food.” Customers clearly agree; Master Pizza has been in Livingston for 27 years. There are also Master Pizzas in Union, West Orange and (as of August) Carlstadt. Customer favorites in Livingston lean toward Italian-American classics such as fried calamari, pizza Margherita and penne in vodka sauce. Definitely not traditional, but also very popular is the Las Vegas pizza: Mozzarella, cheddar and gorgonzola cheese with bacon and sliced potatoes served in an Alfredo sauce. Master Pizza 379 E. Northfield Road, Livingston 973-992-4500 www.masterpizzaonline.com www.jarofhope.org
Spring 2016
Inside Livingston 59