The late and beloved Natale Bozzo the founder of SaNRemo bakery.
The late and beloved founder of SaNRemo bakery Natale Bozzo will live on forever.
A laneway behind the popular 374 Royal York Road bakery has been renamed Natale Bozzo Lane, which extends from Simpson to Hay Avenues.
There was an outpouring of love and support for the Bozzo family after the patriarch passed away from COVID-19 at the age of 75 in February 2021. Hundreds of mourners left messages on social media to console grieving family members after his death.
A long-time customer gathered signatures and petitioned the city to have the lane renamed, said Bozzo’s son, Rob.
“We are thankful and very appreciative that they did this,” Rob said. “The sign will be here long after the family has moved on.”
There is also a beautiful large mural dedicated to Bozzo on the exterior of the south wall of the eatery.
Young baker Natale Bozzo in the early SaNRemo days.
Bozzo was a hard worker who came to Canada at the age of 15 from Italy and began working at a bakery in Little Italy.
He opened SaNRemo Bakery in 1969 with his three of his six brothers, becoming not only an “incredible baker” but a friend to many in the community, his family said.
Bozzo would become the sole owner of the bakery in the 1990s with his three sons.
Even after retirement, the family said Bozzo would often “help out around the bakery as it was his passion.”
“He was an incredible baker, and most hardworking man we know. He was resilient and resourceful. He was kind and a friend to all,” the family said in a social media post.
The late Natale Bozzo outside his popular bakery now run by his sons.
The baker left behind his wife of 49 years, Nicoletta, along with his sons and five grandchildren.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Bozzo a “true local champion who followed his passions.”
“A family-owned business, the SaNRemo Bakery and Café has been a staple in Etobicoke for many years. God bless the Bozzo family,” Ford wrote.
The bakery is popular with area workers and there are lengthy lineups during lunch and dinner hours as regulars purchase their favourite Italian fare.
“He was larger than life and we will miss him dearly and will work very hard to keep his memory alive and to honour him,” his family said.
The bakery was well-known for its Italian-inspired dishes and over-the-top desserts. He once said the secret of baking was to put a pinch of love into everything.
“He was kind and a friend to all. He loved to go to Florida, he loved to fish and garden, he loved food and he loved his family,” according to family members.