SANTO RITO

SANTO RITO age 85. Beloved husband of the late Maria “Mary” (nee Landino). Loving father of Jim (Dawn), Anna Ciancibello (John), Anthony (Emily) and Lidia Russo (Elio). Cherished grandfather of Dominic, Angela (Scott), Jamie (Mike), Marina (Mike), Johnny (Dana), Briana (Claude), Adam, Amelia, Alex, Leah, Julia and Dean; great grandfather of Greyson, Roman, Graham, Millie and Malachi. Dear brother of Maria Belfiore (Biagio), Luciano and the late Gino and Nino. Uncle, cousin and friend of many.

Santo Rito came to America from the small town of Riposto, outside of Catania, Sicily, in 1955. He developed his trade as an apprentice from a very young age in one of the most prestigious pasticcerias of Taormina, a very famous tourist location in Sicily. He made his first wedding cake at the age of 14.

Santo worked in various bakeries upon his arrival to the States and opened the very first in-store bakery for the Fazio grocery chain. He fulfilled his dream of introducing authentic Sicilian baking to the west side of Cleveland in the form of Rito’s Italian Bakery in 1965. He always strived for excellence; his work was truly his passion. He was respected by everyone he knew, and his word was gold. Santo taught and lived a life of love for his family and his work. His strength and conviction of family values will live on with his loved ones. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the staff at Rito’s bakery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to Autism Speaks, 4700 Rockside Road, Suite 420, Independence, Ohio 44131. Mass of Christian Burial, Holy Family Church, Monday November 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday 1 – 5 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (West of I-71).