The popular pizzeria Albano's is closed. Customers are hearing the news that the owner was killed after just after midnight on Wednesday night.
Giovanni Donancricchia, 64, built his business from scratch after emigrating from Sicily. This year he celebrated 25 years in business.
But overnight, an armed robbery attempt ended with the murder of the family's patriarch.
"It's the worst day of my life," said Saverio Donancricchia, the victim's son. He says his mother first encountered the would-be robber.
Like other merchants in this area of Cicero, Donancricchia had security cameras installed.
Police are searching the security camera footage as they continue their investigation and are asking anyone with information to contact authorities.
