Beloved Kennewick Restaurant Owner Passes Away

If you've ever had a plate of spaghetti at Kennewick's most beloved Italian restaurant, then you've been touched by Carmine Aitoro.

Carmine Aitoro and his wife Joyce operated the very popular and beloved Italian restaurant Carmine's for over 11 years before retiring in 2019.

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Carmine's Restaurant posted on their Facebook page about the passing. This is what the family had to say about the loss of their beloved family member:

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Carmine Aitoro on Friday, August 20, 2021. We have already heard from many of you. Thank you for your love and support.

Due to the current Covid environment and limited space, the memorial service will be a private gathering of family and friends on Saturday, September 18th at 11:00 a.m. in Kennewick. A zoom link will be available for anyone, near and far, who’d like to join virtually.

During the 11 years in business, a sign hung in the entry that read, “Enter as guests. Leave as friends.” In honor of Carmine, Joyce and family invite you to stop by Europa Italian & Spanish Cuisine in Kennewick on the 18th between 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. to enjoy some of his favorite foods and share a favorite story or memory.

Carmine was known for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere at the Kennewick restaurant for over 11 years before closing down the restaurant to retire in December of 2019. We miss the food but we'll miss Aitoro more.

Carmine's will always be remembered as one of those Tri-Cities gems you can replicate and Carmine and his wife Joyce were the reason why. You can read more details about the passing of Carmine Aitoro here.