CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The founder of a beloved Champaign pizza restaurant has died.

79-year-old Robert Monti, founder of Papa Del’s Pizza, died on Sunday, according to Owens Funeral home.

Monti was a third-generation restaurant owner, according to Papa Del’s. His grandfather operated an Italian restaurant in Chicago, while his father owned a pizza place in Lombard. Monti eventually came to Champaign-Urbana while attending the University of Illinois, but while there, he felt that something was missing — good pizza.

Monti opened the first Papa Del’s Pizza, located on the corner of Wright and Healey, on Oct. 24, 1970. Papa Del’s changed locations several times and also expanded in Champaign County — and Indiana — throughout the years.

Today, Papa Del’s Pizza can be found at 1201 South Neil in Champaign, at the site of the old Coca-Cola Bottling Plant. Monti purchased the building in May of 2015, and the pizza place has served Champaign-Urbana ever since.

Monti’s family remembers him as someone who loved to fish, spend time with loved ones, cheer on the the University of Illinois’ football and basketball teams. His visitation will be at the Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday. The funeral will take place at the same church on Monday, July 7 at 10 a.m.