I am saddened to report that Vic Santeramo has died. He passed away yesterday at the Heritage Nursing Home here in Mason City. He was 84.
I first met Vic in 1961 when he came to Mason City to scout out the town for the possibility of opening a pizza house here. The rest is pretty much history. He opened on South Federal with a small restaurant directly across the street from what was then the Strand Theater and Harry Sweet Shop and immediately one store front North of the Silver Saddle Bar. That Pizza House set unarguably the standard for pizza in North Iowa. The world passed through it’s doors. I was in there the night Count Bassie came in; his band had played that night at the Surf Ballroom. And the next morning the band bus was parked on South Jackson because one of the greatest bands in the history of America were not allowed to rent rooms in Mason City or Clear Lake.
Vic and I became fast friends, it was the same time Jim Chimbidis and I opened the Red Llama on Delaware….many of you will remember that bar. It was the first bar in all North Iowa with carpet on the floor and no beer signs inside or out. And the then Police Chief Stanley McClintock refused to sign our application for a beer license saying; “I’m not signing any permit for a Greek wearing a beard.” We got the license anyway.
Vic had magic in his hands, he was one of the greatest cooks I ever met. His sugo (sauce) was better than any I ever tasted in Italy. His family came from Bari and he learned his trade at his mother’s elbow. He made “home mades” that would melt in your mouth…and he shared those abilities with many of us…they were priceless gifts that could never be bought in any store.
After Vic sold his resturant he moved to Colorado to be closer to his brothers. Recently he moved back to Mason City, a town that he grew to love. He suffered from a pulmonary illness which took his life. May his memory be eternal…..
Peter Children
I remember going there when I was a kid. He had an old 1950’s Wurlitzer Jukebox and they actually spun the pizzas dough in the air then they made them.
I remember Vic s Pizza in Wis. Rapids Wi. It was very delious. The place was run by the Bell family. He was a very nice guy. His kids went to school here too. Then they moved away. I think it was open for about 5 years here in Wis. Rapids. Some days I wish I could still order one of there pizzas !!!
His pizza was the standard for me. I still tell people the best pizza I ever had came from Vic’s in Mason City.
Jerry, I remembered you from way back but didn’t get your spelling right. Sorry about that. I bet you will be a reader here now. Good to hear from you.
Vic’s pizza was the first pizza I ever had. It was delicious! They don’t make pizza like that anymore. Everyone liked Vic — especially us girls because he was so handsome too! Sorry to hear of his passing.
If you don’t remember having Vic’s pizza delivered on Sunday night just in time for Land of the Giants and then Ed Sullivan you didn’t live…lol
sounds like a good time-wish i could have ate there.
I have a question, Peter. I clearly remember Vic’s Pizza, and it really was the greatest, but didn’t a man named Dick Bell purchase the business from Vic at some point? Or was he the manager? He always made us feel so welcome. I heard he died a couple of years ago.
Wow, Lots of fond memories eating there. I loved Vic’s Pizza. Ate there all the time. Best pizza in town, My friends and I would go there and eat, then go downstairs to the Shelter Lounge. What a combination, it was so cool. Some of the best times of my life. I am now 62 years old, and sometimes its like yesterday when I think back to Vic’s Pizza. Thanks Vic for all the memories in my life. You will be missed.
Sounds like a sort of place I would have enjoyed.
I loved Vic’s pizza. Yes, it was cut in squares and tended to be on the thinner but still chewy crust side. Many people may not recall that it was Vic S. and Tom Barlas that started the Pheasant Run in the 70’s(Later back 40 and the place next door). Tom later bought out Vic. I worked for both of them back then as a boy and loved it. One Greek, one Italian and oh brother could they cook! Vic had a rough voice and could seem intimidating to a kid, but he had a heart of gold and pizza to match.
All the greats are leaving us now and we’re stuck with young kids like Eric the Mayor who never had to pay any dues or make something from nothing.
Vic’s Pizza was the first REAL pizza I ever had and it was great. Like Peter said, great sauce and crisp thin crust. Didn’t he cut the pieces into squares instead of slices? Vic’s was where the closed OP is now. I remember the Shelter Lounge was in the basement with the alley entrance.
Neat article with all of the history of Mason City. All those places were before my time, but what an interesting time in history. It would be fun to see pictures of these old establishments.
When did this pizza place go out of business?
I to remember Vic’s, Friday nights out with the guys, drinking beer and eating pizza. Life was good then, where have those carefree days gone.
I remember Vic real well from back in the day. My wife and I used to go there all the time before we were married. They just don’t make pizza like that anymore. RIP Vic.
Way back in the day when I visited my grandparents who lived in Mason City, we always got to go out for pizza at Vics, and this was back when going out for pizza was a big deal. I still remember how good it was. Homemade with the best sausage ever, this story brings me back a number of years thinking about those times.
Also my irish catholic grandma loved Vic, one reason was if anybody showed up hungry and didnt have the money Vic would feed them a nice meal. She said sometimes they would do dishes or clean up for the meal becuase they respected Vic.
RIP Vic Santeramo your ticket to heaven was punched by a lifetime of good.