Owner of Mama Santa's Pizzeria dies at 89

CLEVELAND — Sad news for those who love Mama Santa's Pizzeria in Little Italy. 

On Tuesday evening, the restaurant confirmed the death of owner Nancy Scaffidi at the age of 89. 

According to an obituary posted to the Mama Santa's Restaurant page on Facebook, Scaffidi was born in 1932 in Sicily and moved to the United States at the age of 20, settling down in Akron. 

"She began her life in America working in a factory and soon became a licensed beautician. She moved to Cleveland's Little Italy and opened Mama Santa's Restaurant with her husband Guido on July 25, 1961," the obituary reads. 

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"Nancy had a passion for her family, friends and baking her famous plain cookies. She often played bocci ball in a league. She enjoyed traveling and returned to Italy for many visits along with Canada and Mexico," the obituary continues. 

Mama Santa's Pizzeria will be closed on Wednesday, November 17, and Thursday, November 18. 

Tributes and condolences can be left here. 

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