The youngest of three children, Allan Zitella was born in Chicago to Joseph and Christina (Zipparo) Barrile. His mother died when Zitella was 3 years old and he and his siblings, Richard and JoAnn, were eventually adopted by their maternal great-aunt and -uncle, Anna and James Zitella.

Zitella grew up in the neighborhood around Harlem and North avenues, one block from his maternal grandmother. His adoptive father emigrated from Riano, Italy, and owned Parkside Construction; his adoptive mother worked in the office. Zitella and his brother attended grammar school at Junior Military Academy in Chicago and came home on weekends when they could to enjoy family and their mother’s cooking.