Giovanni Cerone

Giovanni (“Nino”) Mario Vincenzo Antonio Marco Cerone of College Station, Texas left our world for a better place on August 11, 2021. Better known around town as “Mr. G,” he will forever be remembered for his loving devotion to his wife and family, his amazing stories of a life well lived, and of course, the best pizza in the world.

Nino was born on May 12, 1935 in a small town near Naples called Potenza, Italy to Pietro and Renata (Berlinzani) Cerone. Nino was an only child and his parents adored him. His nickname comes from his mother affectionately calling him “Giovannino,” which was ultimately shortened to “Nino.”

Nino’s mother was a French teacher from the north of Italy, but his father worked in insurance and was from the south of Italy. Although Nino was an incredibly talented musician who studied at a special music conservatory in Naples, his father wanted him to become an attorney. Nino worked hard to complete his law studies and took on an imposing first case. Through determination, intelligence, and likely his charm, Nino won this landmark case that was covered by all the newspapers. Afterwards, he felt he had completed his commitment to his father and Nino began to pursue music full time.

Nino met his lovely wife, Houda, in her hometown of Beirut, Lebanon while playing with his band at a nightclub. Houda was just 18, while Nino was 36. The day he met her, Nino told Houda, “You will be my wife.” A few short months later, Nino had won over not just Houda but her entire family and they were soon wed. Their oldest son, Rami, was born in Beirut, where they lived for the first year of their marriage.

Nino led Houda and their children on a life of adventure over the next several decades. They moved to Italy near lake Como, then to London, England where their first daughter, Rola, was born. In 1980, the family emigrated to the United States. Their youngest daughter, Rima, was born in New Jersey. About five years later, Nino brought the family to Texas with the dream of owning horses and land. They lived in Clifton, Texas and then in China Spring before finally settling in College Station, Texas for the past 25 years.

Nino and Houda successfully operated many businesses together during their marriage, perhaps the most famous of which is their pizzeria in downtown Bryan named “Mr. G’s” after Nino. In addition to his roles as a devoted husband, loving father, and successful entrepreneur, Nino took on a new role in 2008 when his granddaughter Rossi was born. He loved being a “Nonno” (Italian for grandfather) and cheering on Rossi at her school events and games.

Nino was predeceased by his parents and his eldest son, Pietro Cerone. Surviving Nino are his beloved wife of almost 50 years Houda (Sinno) Cerone, his daughter Renata Cerone of Parma, Italy, his son Rami Cerone (Erin) of Bryan, Texas, his daughter Rola Cerone of Bryan, Texas, his daughter Rima Cerone of Houston, Texas, his granddaughter Rossi Cerone of Bryan, Texas, and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.