ORANGE, CT (WFSB) – We’re Back Pizza is raising money for the family of a longtime employee who was killed in a tragic hit-and-run.

On Oct. 24, Osvaldo Gonzalez was riding his scooter when he was struck and killed by a car in West Haven.

Gonzalez worked at We’re Back Pizza for 13 years. He started as a dishwasher and worked his way up to making pizzas.

The pizzeria is doing everything they can to return his body to his family in Mexico.

Michael and Christine Avena, from the pizzeria, spoke of how devastated their workplace was.

“We have all worked together for many years and consider ourselves family,” Christine said.

Michael added: “Osvaldo was our employee, he was light-hearted, he always had a smile on his face.”

Police said a witness told officers the driver did not stop after hitting Gonzalez and turned onto I-95.

Christine detailed her feelings, saying: “He was driving the scooter, we always told him to be careful. (He) didn’t live too far away, but yes, devastated.

The Avenas said Osvaldo began working with them in 2011, when they were running what was then called Abate’s.

“All the customers loved him. He was just a great guy,” Christine said.

Michael explained how famous Osvaldo was. “He knew all the customers, he brought them slices, took out their pies, he knew exactly how people wanted their pies.”

Every week, Osvaldo sent money to Mexico for his mother, four sons and grandchildren.

The Avenas try to bring Osvaldo back to Mexico to be with his family.

“I would do anything for Osvaldo… They want to have him near them, so they can bury him near them,” Michael said.

To help Osvaldo return home, local businesses set up collection buckets. There is also a GoFundMe page.

“Seeing that he was the only one in his family here in America, we had to do something. He was there six days a week, 12 hours a day, he showed up on time, that’s the least he could do,” Christine said.

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