Little Italy Butcher Moe Albanese Dies from Coronavirus; Neighbors Pay Tribute

Photo: Eddie Panta

Moe Albanese, longtime Little Italy butcher and fixture of Elizabeth Street, passed away Tuesday evening due to complications from COVID-19. He was 95-years-old.

The news was confirmed by his granddaughter, Jennifer Prezioso, in a post on Instagram.

Photo: Eddie Panta

At the Albanese Meats butcher shop on Elizabeth Street, a makeshift memorial is underway. Flowers, candles, and condolence notes are at the doorstep, along with a letter to neighbors:

Friends,

On April 7, Moe succumbed to this hideous virus. He lived a wonderful life and had a heart which was endless with love and compassion. Family was always number one and Moe was loved and admired by all who knew him.

The Albanese family would like to thank everyone who touched his life.

Photo: Eddie Panta

The Albanese family has run the Albanese Meats butcher shop since 1923. Moe’s parents started the business, and his mother was a force on the block into the 1990s. It’s an old-school shop that maintains its charm amidst a sea of upscale boutiques.

View this post on Instagram

Let me paint you a picture this morning with my words. It’s 6:00am and the birds are chirping. He finally retired. And they’re all so happy you could join them at last: “You finally showed up!” My grandmother has been patiently waiting for all these years, making a big pot of crab sauce like its 4th of July. Your mother, sitting in her chair outside “MOMO!” Vinny Vella in his. They pinch your cheeks. “Sheeny Moe where’ve ya been!” All your friends are there too, your uncles and cousins. Your grandfather making wine, playing cards. Your father. The whole family. Even the dogs. “A toast to Rudy!” They’ve been having the feasts up here all along and now the fireworks. They’re for you, San Gandolfo. La Marcia Reale begins to play with all the trumpets of heaven. And this time you know the words to sing. Because the best part is your memory is with you. I did a good job of hiding it from everyone, but only mom and I heard your cries in bed. The blessed mother answered your prayers and has given your mind back. “Long live the King! Viva l’Italia! Viva San Gandolfo!” You were alone on this earth for years, but as you would say to grandma, “Not yet Jen, not yet. They need me down here.” How selfish were we to keep him for so long.

A post shared by Jennifer Prezioso (@prezwithaz) on Apr 8, 2020 at 9:39am PDT