The city of Washington lost one of its champions Thursday when Tony Cilluffo apparently drowned at Indian Beach. He was 41.

Cilluffo and his brother Vinny were the well-known co-owners of Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant in Washington. As local businessmen, the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce recognized them as the 2007 Business Leaders of the Year. With his proud Italian heritage, Tony welcomed patrons at the restaurant, made them feel at home and would often stop by to chat.

But the Cilluffos were not content taking from the community without giving back. In addition to their support for the ECU Pirates, the Cilluffos were big supporters of high school athletics and youth sports programs in the community. Frank’s Pizza was among the sponsors of the Movies in the Park series organized by the Washington Harbor District Alliance.

As one mourner put it, Tony gave more than he got.

We send our prayers and condolences to the Cilluffo family this day. We share in your loss and are grateful that Tony made Washington a better place.