Dave Cossetta, longtime St. Paul’s restaurant owner and fourth-generation business leader, has died suddenly in Italy, according to his family.
Cossetta’s family announced Thursday that the business patriarch died in Rome surrounded by his wife, Gail, his team, friends and family.
Just days before his death, Cossetta won two international awards at the Coppa del Mondo del Panettone.
His family said the awards were the latest in an impressive career.
The family business began in 1911 when there was a small market in St. Paul, and Cossetta’s family said she helped turn it into a gathering place on West 7th Street.
The family said more information will be shared later.
family declaration
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dave Cossetta, our owner, our leader and the heart of Cossetta. Dave passed away suddenly in Rome, surrounded by his wife, Gail, his talented team and many friends and family. Days earlier, he had won two international awards at the Coppa del Mondo del Panettone, the final honors of an impressive career.
Dave was the fourth generation of his family to operate what began in 1911 as a small market in St. Paul. He built it as a gathering place on West 7th Street where everyone was welcome at the same table, and he never stopped dreaming of what it could become. His next chapter was bringing Cossetta to the nation beyond St. Paul with panettone, which he had spent more than 15 years perfecting.
Most of all, Dave loved his family, his city and the people who passed through its doors.
Service details will be shared as they become available.
We will continue as Dave would have liked: together, around the table. – The Cossetta family and team»
Gn entert
