NATALE and Nicoletta, his wife of 49 years. Bozzo family photos.
NATALE was proud of his sons and their families.
Mimico has sadly lost its top baker, Natale Bozzo, whose sweet treats are loved by generations of food lovers, who travel from across the city to Royal York Road to get their fill.
The loving Bozzo family patriarch is father of three sons and was married to Nicoletta for 49 years.
His mourning family said he passed away on February 18 after a devastating six-week battle with COVID-19. He was 75.
“He fought very hard, he was in good health prior to this,” his family shared in a statement on social media. “We learned of his failing health through very difficult phone calls from the hospital and thankfully we were able to say goodbye.”
Natale was a hard worker who came to Canada from Italy at the age of 15. He began working at a bakery in Little Italy and opened SanRemo Bakery and Café Inc., at 374 Royal York Road in 1969, with his brothers Santo, Gilda, Giuseppe, Josephine, Peter and Giancarlo.
He became sole owner of the popular bakery in the 1990s with his sons, Rob, Nick and Eddie.
“He eventually retired but he would still come to help out around the bakery as it was his passion,” family members recalled.
They describe him as an ‘incredible baker, who was hardworking, resilient and resourceful.’
“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,” they said.
The family said Natale’s secret to baking was to put a ‘pinch of love into everything, and we’ll be missing that pinch in ways we can’t describe.’
“We thank you all for your support and wishes during this time,” they told area residents.
The bakery, which has been open for more than 50 years, is an institution in South Etobicoke and people pre-COVID-19 drove from across the city to get their fill of Italian sandwiches, cakes, pasta, coffee and mostly to meet their friends.
The small dining room they once had was always filled with area residents or those working nearby enjoying a break.
There are many comments being left on social media by residents expressing their love and support for the Bozzo family.
“This is devastating,” wrote Christine Ashley.
“My deepest condolences,” said Deuces Royal.
Funeral plans are being finalized.