Mary Ann Todaro

Mary Ann Todaro, age 95, of Akron, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on July 1, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was raised in the close-knit neighborhoods of Little Italy and later the Kinsman area on Cleveland's east side. One of eleven siblings, she grew up surrounded by family, tradition, and the best Italian food. She was the daughter of Frank Alesci, owner of Alesci's Food in Cleveland, and the lessons she learned in her family's business would carry her throughout her life.

In 1952, she married Camillo "Mel" Todaro. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, hard work, hospitality, faith in each other and God.

The Todaro family remained in Cleveland until 1966, when they moved to Akron to begin a new chapter and establish Todaro's Imported Foods. What began as a grocery business soon grew to include catering, which eventually became the family business. In 1976, they opened Todaro's Party Center, creating a lasting Akron institution where countless families have celebrated life's most meaningful occasions.

Mary was a true matriarch, she was tough and strong, but her nature was kind and caring. Mary was a driving force behind the success of the family business and a steadfast supporter of her husband's vision. Her warmth, hard work, determination, impeccable standards, and skills as a cook helped shape Todaro's into far more than a business. It became an extension of the family home - a place where people gathered, shared meals, celebrated milestones, and were always made to feel welcome.

Above all, she loved her family. She delighted in entertaining friends, and the door to her home was always open. Her generous heart was reflected in everything she did, especially in the signature cuisine she prepared for a lifetime of holidays and get togethers. Many treasured the experience of dining with her and Mel, whether at their home or in Mel's beloved back room at the business.

She was "Mom" too many beyond her own children. Those who knew her valued her wisdom, her strength, and her unmistakably direct way of speaking. She told the truth with love, offered guidance when it was needed, and had a gift for making people feel cared for and included. Her influence reached far beyond her immediate family and left a lasting impression on generations of friends, employees, customers, and members of the community.

She loved dressing up and going out to dinner on the town with girlfriends and family. Her hair was always immaculate and perfectly styled and colored. She enjoyed watching classic movies and listening to music from her era on Alexa, filling her days with familiar songs and cherished memories.

She remained the soul of both her family and the family business nearly to the end. She continued greeting old friends and welcoming new ones at her son's restaurant, always keeping a watchful eye on the kitchen. A taste of the food followed by her approving wave was a treasured sign that everything was just as it should be. She made the sauce for pasta and folded the place setting towels for the catered events well into her later years.

Her legacy lives on in the family she adored, the business she helped build, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the countless people she welcomed to her table. She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, wisdom, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her seat at the table may now be empty, but her love and legacy will live on in the lives she touched for generations to come.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marie Alesci; her devoted husband, Camillo Todaro; and her son, Thomas Todaro.

She is survived by her children, Frank Todaro, Joseph (Maureen) Todaro, Mel (Karen) Todaro; her beloved grandchildren, Dina, Victor, Mary, Lisa, Francesca, Tony, Camille, Joey, and Stephen; cherished great grandchildren, Bianca, Tessa, Dylan, Michael, Luca, Arlo, Miles, Nico, and Aris.

Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333 on MONDAY, September 28, 2026, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Rite of Christian Burial Mass will commence on TUESDAY, September 29, at 10:30 AM at St. Hilary Parish, 2750 W. Market St. Fairlawn, OH 44333. Entombment immediately following at All Saints Cemetery, Northfield, OH.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s name are suggested to the A.S.A.P. Foundation, Akron Society for Answered Prayers, 1820 Akron Peninsula Rd. Akron, OH 44313.

Service in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333.