By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

For 16 seasons, many a teenager worked with Jack "Mr. P" Pancero at Kings Island, serving up countless slices of pizza.

Mr. Pancero and his son Gregg, of Indian Hill, ran the two LaRosa's pizzerias there from 1972 until 1988.

"He mentored them," Gregg Pancero said of the youths. "He worked with them and was close to them."

Mr. Pancero died of a heart attack Saturday at his home in Naples, Fla. The former Delhi Township resident was 79.

He grew up in College Hill and graduated from Hughes High School.

His family operated a meat-packing business in Mohawk.

He went to Ohio State University, but had to return home to help his ailing father with the business. During World War II, the family firm was busy processing meat for the Army.

Mr. Pancero never returned to college. He and his brother Howard took over the business and operated it until it was sold in 1967.

When Coney Island relocated operations to Kings Mills in 1972 and the new amusement park was dubbed Kings Island, Mr. Pancero and his son opened the LaRosa's franchise there.

For 16 seasons, "Mr. P was a caring and loving friend of employees, whom he mentored through these years," his son said.

The Panceros also opened five other LaRosa's restaurants, and the family owns Trio in Kenwood.

Mr. Pancero was a member of the Western Hills Country Club, where he loved to play golf with friends, his son said.

Mr. Pancero and his wife of 59 years, Loraine, retired to Naples in 1988, where they socialized with other Cincinnati friends who had moved there. He initiated a club he dubbed the "Romeos" - Retired Old Men Eating Out - who dined together regularly.

He was also a member of Royal Poinciana Country Club, the Scottish Rite and the Syrian Shrine.

In addition to his wife and son, survivors include a daughter, Vicki Tullis of Indian Hill; and four grandchildren.

A service was held in Naples. A private burial will be in Cincinnati.

Memorials: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229 or a charity of the donor's choice.

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E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com