Frank Paul Miccolis; Restaurateur

Frank Paul (Judge) Miccolis, who founded the first Chi-Chi’s Pizza restaurant in the San Fernando Valley 34 years ago, has died at his Northridge home. He was 62.

Miccolis died Wednesday of complications of longtime heart problems, said his son, Paul Miccolis of Simi Valley.

Born in Gary, Ind., Miccolis served as a master sergeant in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Miccolis came to California in 1957 and the following year opened a restaurant in Panorama City, Chi-Chi’s Pizza, which was named after his father. In 1960, Miccolis purchased Lido Pizza in Van Nuys from family members and in 1968 opened Chi-Chi’s Pizza restaurants in Saugus and Simi Valley. He opened his fourth Chi-Chi’s Pizza in Northridge in 1972. Four years later, he bought a dinner house called the Carson Peak Inn at June Lake. Miccolis had also owned Arturo’s Pizza in Reseda and Nero’s restaurant in Van Nuys, both which he later sold.

Miccolis was a member of the CHP 11-99 Foundation and had been a member of the Sierra Pacific Fly Fishers.

In addition to his son, Paul, Miccolis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ida Mae Miccolis; son James Miccolis of Northridge; daughters Kitty David of Canyon Country and Joan Miccolis of Northridge; sisters Joan Melocchi of Minden, Nev., and Pat Pensanti of Battleground, Wash., and three grandchildren.

Visitation is planned from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Bastian & Perrott Mortuary, 18728 Parthenia St., Northridge, which is handling the arrangements. A rosary is scheduled at 7:30 tonight at St. John Eudes Church, 9901 Mason St., Chatsworth. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with burial to follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. Contributions can be made in Miccolis’ name to a charity of the donor’s choice.