Son of a Fair Haven business icon! Anthony Fabbri, son of Umberto’s Silvio, spoke the truth when he said in our recent interview that he had been making pizza since the age of 2.
Continue reading Retro Umberto’s Pizza Pie in the Sky Tyke Flip-Out
When Fair Haven’s iconic Umberto’s pizzeria closed, Anthony Fabbri, son of pizza icon Silvio, said his dad would have said, “OK. It’s time to go home.” Home, as he knew it, was where the heart was and his and his family’s heart was and has always been with their passion — pizza.
And now, just more than a year after the doors to the brick-and-mortar Umberto’s, Anthony, like his pop advised, has brought his passion back home again — right to his pizza-flipping heart.
Continue reading Living the Dream: Umberto’s Anthony Fabbri’s Pizza Passion & New ‘Amici’ Place“Alright guys. Time to go home.”
That’s what Silvio Fabbri would have said about the closing after nearly four decades of his iconic Fair Haven pizzeria, restaurant and hangout, Umberto’s, his son Anthony mused in a chat with R-FH Retro early in March.
The embracing hometown haven, in operation since Jan. 4, 1984, with the Fabbri family always somewhere at the helm, was set to close its doors at 10 p.m. on March 28.
They were hoping for a great gathering of community and friends to see them off as they turned out the lights and locked the doors of their Fair Haven “home” for the last time. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the goodbye can’t be quite like that. It’s a bit empty. No gatherings. No handshakes. No hugs. Hearts are full, though, and retain every bit of “home” to keep them full for the Fabbri family.
Yes, “time to go home.” But, what happens when you are already home?
Umberto’s was home. Silvio Fabbri and his family made it their home. They made it their patrons’ home, too. Silvio became an icon to many a Fair Haven kid whose bike could be seen parked there after school, panting garlic knot and pizza breath with every eager pedal “home” for what was likely their second dinner. And they likely passed their parents on the road as they fetched that dinner from Umberto’s, Silvio having memorized their names and orders by heart.
Yes, the place was “home” for many. Silvio, always calm and cool, with a side-mouthed grin, greeting his many mischievous cherubs at the counter with a pizza flip, hand sign and a “Eyyyy … Hanga loose.” And like a parent, he’d often call you out if you hadn’t been in to see him in a while with a “Eyyyy. Why you no come a see me?”
So, in listening to the voice of Silvio in their hearts, the Fabbri family, while they know his posthumous “time to go home” is a consoling, take-it-in-stride push out the door, “home” was always Fair Haven for the Shrewsbury family — at least since 1984 when they came to town to run the place owned by Umberto and Dora Areno, thus the Umberto name.
While many initially thought that the Fabbri’s last name was Umberto, it was not. The name comes from the owner of the brick-and-mortar part of the business — the building. The Arenos also owned the business (part of it all) for the first seven years of the Fabbri family’s time working there — bringing their authentic Italian pizza- and food-making skills directly from “the foothills of Napoli” — running things. They had come to America in 1976.
It was on Nov. 26, 1991 that Silvio and his brother Michele (Michael in Italian) signed to papers to buy the business itself (not the building). They have rented the building from its owners since. Ironically, Silvio’s wife Maryrose pointed out, “Silvio died on Nov. 26, 2014.” An opening and closing date for Silvio. Called home, as they say.
Home. It means something different to everyone. But, what it means to Maryrose Fabbri is a matter of the heart and the power of place in that heart, too. She feels confident it was what was in her husband’s heart all those years, too. Home.
“We didn’t become millionaires with this business,” she said earlier in the month. “We didn’t become financially rich. But we got rich with the heart knowing so many different people here (considering them) and having them all here as our family.
“We joke about our houses in Shrewsbury. We sleep and shower there. But Fair Haven is where we live. The boys did all of their recreational sports, summer camp, everything here. Fair Haven is our home.”
She went on to say that Anthony, who took over running the business with her and uncle Michele after his dad (Silvio) died, wasn’t even 2 when he first came to know Umberto’s and Fair Haven as home. The rest, like Maryrose’s nephew Tony and Anthony’s children, were “born there,” so to speak, she said. It was home. Always.
In just about every home, there are family recipes, too. Family traditions.
Anthony, Maryrose and Michele and the rest of the Umberto’s Fabbri family are sad to leave home. Still, they smile as they say that while they do not want to reveal the new owners’ names, Silvio’s pizza will come with them — a comfort of home.
After coming to the sad reality that they could no longer afford the rent, but bearing no malice whatsoever, and vetting several offers, they sold the business to “a couple of really nice guys who Silvio taught to make pizza,” Maryrose said.
That much they were happy to say. Their fear and resistance in announcing the new ownership was, they said, that people might jump to unwarranted conclusions and would not give them the chance they deserve.
“We just want everyone to welcome them and give them a chance,” Maryrose said. “They truly are great guys. And they’re bringing Silvio’s pizza with them.”
They are also bringing their own great chicken wing recipe. In fact, it’s the same one people to which those who eat at Umberto’s have become accustomed. Silvio “taught them how to make pizza and they taught him how to make chicken wings,” Anthony said.
And there’s nothing like swapping a family recipe from one home to another. Tradition is a comfort recipe. It lives on, more so in this case, as the Fabbri family chose it to be so.
As for home and hearth stories, Maryrose said with a content smile, “there are just too many to talk about. So many. But, everyone knows one or a few to keep in their heart like we do.” And the visits and goodbyes … Coincidentally their very first customer, Matt from Acme, popped in, unbeknownst to anyone, while R-FH Retro was visiting. Then came a former Fair Haven neighbor (of this 54-year resident) and coffee shop icon, Trudi Williams. Moments. Family. Home.
And as with any home, someone is always there to lead the start of the day and end it. Usually, it was Silvio. Now Maryrose. “I’m the first one (now) who walks in the door, usually at 9:45 a.m.” she said. “And I’m the last to walk out. I make sure everyone walks out first before me. Sometimes that’s been 11:30 at night.”
So, on March 28 at 8 p.m., instead of the usual 10, the time it was supposed to happen, the lights went out and the door of Umberto’s was locked for the last time.
“Time to go home,” where your heart is, and “hanga loose forever.”
Thank you, Fabbri family, for bringing the true meaning of community “home” for all of us and our children. There’s no place like it … that slice of life in our hearts.
— Photos/Elaine Van Develde, exclusively for R-FH Retro
** Please, no copying for publication elsewhere, including photo albums to be shared on social media. If you would like a copy of a photo, please message me. Thank you.**
The weekend is going to be a sunny one, so they say.
And there will be plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the great outdoors via some popular annual events.
Keep the traditions going and get out to a few …
Friday
• Hanga Loose Fridays continue starting at 7 p.m. at Umberto’s on River Road in Fair Haven. The Friday night get-together was created to inspire and pay forward the community spirit of the deceased beloved pizza-making man who knew everybody’s name and remembered everything about them, down to food preference — Silvio Fabbri.
Join in the fun and “Hanga Loose” a little, as Silvio would say.
• The Monmouth Players’ production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter is on it’s closing weekend. So, if you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time.
Curtain for Friday and Saturday performances is 8:15 p.m.
Saturday
• The town-wide yard sales in Fair Haven and Red Bank are both slated for Saturday. And it looks like the weather will suit the events just fine.
Fair Haven’s sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lists may be picked up at borough hall of who’s on the list. Or, you can just drive around and look for the blue and white balloons that will be marking the spots around town.
Fair Haven officials have announced that they will be extending the hours of the DPW bulk drop-off ’til about 5, so people who have leftovers will have a chance to unload what they haven’t sold.
And, next door in Red Bank, the town-wide sale is happening as well. Fair Haven has handed over its list of sale spots to Red Bank so that Red Bank shoppers can come over and vice versa.
Red Bank’s sale ends at 3 p.m., though.
• The Spring Arts Festival comes to Thompson Park on Newman Springs Road in the Lincroft section of Middletown.
The festival, on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., features the work of local artists and crafters in a juried show.
Live music complements the daylong event. Entry is free. Check out what area talent has been creating lately.
• The People’s Choice Car Show will be set on the grounds of Poricy Park, on Oak Hill Road in Middletown, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Old and new cars will be on display. Stop over and see if you know anyone there and their cars, from antique to new.
• The Weekend in Old Monmouth event, showcasing historic places and landmarks across Monmouth County, is set for noon to 5 p.m.
Two places in Rumson will be featured: Sea Bright Lawn, Tennis & Cricket Club and the First Presbyterian Church.
Check out any other of the 40 historic places in the county (by clicking on the green) that will be featured and see the map.
• Closing night for Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter. See above.
Sunday
• Spring Arts Festival at Thompson Park (see above) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• People’s Choice Car Show at Poricy Park, Middletown, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. See the above entry.
• The Weekend in Old Monmouth event, showcasing historic places and landmarks across Monmouth County, from noon to 5 p.m.
Check out any other of the 40 historic places in the county (by clicking on the green) that will be featured and see the map.
The National Weather Service is telling us that the weekend weather forecast calls for brighter skies and higher temps.
So, what better time to take advantage of the events planned for the area this weekend. And there’s lots to do …
Friday
• Everyone’s hangin’ loose in memory of Silvio Fabbri in the back room of Umberto’s in Fair Haven on Fridays, starting at 7 p.m.
It’s a great way to remember Silvio, the iconic Fair Haven pizza maker and friend to all, and hang with friends and neighbors in the community.
“Hanga loose,” reminisce and enjoy!
• Coastal Decor in Fair Haven is hosting at 7:30 p.m. a Green Beachy Living event billed as a “fun night of shopping and nutrition” at it’s River Road store.
Click here for more information.
• Noel Coward’s Present Laughter is playing at the Navesink Library Theater tonight and tomorrow night, April 24, 25, with an 8:15 p.m. curtain.
A matinee is set for Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Saturday
• It should be a great day to fly a kite, and just in time for Sea Bright’s Come Fly With Us Kite Festival at Sea Bright Public Beach.
People of all ages are invited to gather at the beach at 11 a.m. and, well, go fly a kite!
There will be prizes and giveaways.
• Don’t forget that Saturday is Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps Day.
In the immediate area, the twice annual beach clean-up is being held at Sea Bright Public Beach, the beach in back of Borough Hall and Gaiter’s Restaurant in the northern section of Sea Bright from 9 to 12:30 p.m..
Here’s a list of other locations close by:
• Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion, 29 Ocean Avenue, Monmouth Beach;
• Leonardo Public Beach South, 1 Concord Avenue and the beach, north side of Leonardo State Marine Launch ramp, Leonardo section of Middletown;
• Ideal Beach at Ocean and Bayside, Middletown;
• Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Rd., Port Monmouth section of Middletown;
For more locations and information, click here.
• Rumson’s First Presbyterian Church is hosting a healthy earth, body and mind slate of events showcasing healthy cooking, gardening, exercise and aromatherapy starting at 1 p.m. at the church on River Road.
• Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter at 8:15 p.m. (See the above entry.)
Sunday
• The annual Red Bank International Flavour Festival comes to the borough’s White Street parking lot from noon to 7 p.m.
The festival features the usual tastes and toasts of area food and craft booths and music by several area bands.
Proceeds for the event are donated to Monmouth Day Care Center, Red Bank RiverCenter and Parker Family Health Clinic.
• Matinee of Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter. (See Friday’s entry above).
The weekend forecast calls for a lot of sun and fun in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.
Plan accordingly. Get out and to all or a few of the events on tap.
Friday
• Everyone’s hangin’ loose in memory of Silvio Fabbri in the back room of Umberto’s in Fair Haven on Fridays, starting at 7 p.m.
Great way to remember Silvio and hang with friends and neighbors in the community.
“Hanga loose” and enjoy, as Silvio would say.
Continue reading The R-FH Area Weekend: Hanga Loose, Whale of a Sale, George Giffin Dance & Theater
By Elaine Van Develde
The news of the sudden death of Umberto’s Silvio Fabbri on Nov. 26 was met with an outpouring of sadness.
Fair Havenites have since mourned the man they knew as a friend to the community who never forgot a face, a name or a nugget of information about pretty much everyone who walked through the pizzeria’s doors.
On Friday night, the front of Umberto’s was adorned with flowers, cards, posters, candles and all sorts of tokens of appreciation and remembrance. As tradition holds true in the borough, there was a special farewell posted on the marquee at the Fair Haven Firehouse: “Rest in Peace Silvio … Hanga Loose.”
Inside, the place was bustling with mourners paying their respects to the family as Silvio’s son Anthony flipped dough and gave out pizza for free. It was his way of honoring his father while showing appreciation for the outpouring of love.
Below is a glimpse into one piece of Fair Haven’s sad goodbye to Silvio. Click on the photos to enlarge.
The following is an edited version of Silvio Fabbri’s obituary from the Thompson Memorial Home website:
Silvio Fabbri, 59, of Shrewsbury, died Wednesday Nov. 26.
Born in Monte di Procida Italy, Silvio immigrated to the U.S. in 1976. He served in the Italian Navy on the Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian training ship.
From 1976 to 1984, Silvio worked in various pizzerias along the Jersey Shore honing his pizza making skills. In January of 1984, Silvio began working for Umberto’s Restaurant in Fair Haven.
He and his brother Michele purchased the business in 1991 and operated it along with his family until the time of his death. Silvio married his beloved wife MaryRose (nee) Katzer in 1987.
He was a avid soccer fan continually following his favorite team Internazionale from Milan. Silvio had a knack for creating his own poetry which always put a smile on people’s faces.
He also had a unique gift of remembering peoples last names and upon entering Umberto’s, that’s how many where welcomed. He was a kind generous man who gave to all who expressed the need. A special town event or a family or friend in need, Silvio was there and did so without wanting anything in return.
He loved the many friends he had made over the years at Umberto’s, and that love was reciprocated by all. One of his great joys was teaching children the art of pizza making.
During Superstorm Sandy, Silvio and Michele remained open without electricity and using only gas to ensure that the people of Fair Haven, and surrounding towns and all emergency personnel had a hot meal when it was needed.
Silvio was known as the unofficial welcoming committee to the newcomers of Fair Haven. Many have recognized him as the first person they met after moving to town. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews.
Silvio was predeceased by loving parents, Antonio and Filomena Fabbri. He is survived by his wife MaryRose; his son Anthony and future daughter-in-law, Melanie DeFranco; his brother, Michele and his wife Lucia and his devoted nephew Tony.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at The Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. Mass of christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, 11 a.m. at The Church of The Nativity, Fair Haven. Burial will be private. Donations to Friends of Silvio, PO Box 8097, Red Bank , NJ 07701 are preferred.
Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect will be posting a memorial tribute to Silvio.
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