Mamma DiSalvo’s closed as family mourns founder’s death, celebrates his life

Restaurant to remain open Friday and Saturday

One of Dayton’s most iconic restaurants will be temporarily closed part of this week in the wake of its patriarch’s death.

>> Founder of iconic local restaurant Mamma DiSalvo’s dies 

Mamma DiSalvo's Italian Ristorante, 375 E. Stroop Road in Kettering, will be closed through Wednesday, Feb. 19, as the family and community honors the legacy of Rinaldo DiSalvo Sr., the restaurant's founder, son Roberto "Bobby" DiSalvo told this news organization.

 

Employees will operate DiSalvo's Deli & Italian Stores next door during its normal operating hours.

Rinaldo DiSalvo Sr. of Kettering died Wednesday, Feb. 12, at age 84.

Rinaldo and Elena DiSalvo opened Mamma DiSalvo's in July 1979, with the help of their sons — Bobby,  Rinaldo Jr.  and the late Nicola "Nick" DiSalvo.

A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd. in Kettering.

A funeral mass at the church will follow at 11:30 a.m.

Rinaldo DiSalvo Sr. will be entombed in a mausoleum at David’s Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Road in Kettering.

>> Reasons to love Mamma DiSalvo’s restaurant

“He will be with my brother,” Rinaldo DiSalvo. Jr. said.

Nick DiSalvo died July 11, 2019, at age 61. Nick owned and operated Mamma DiSalvo’s with his brother Bobby.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE (July 2019): Funeral services set for Nick DiSalvo, co-owner of Mamma DiSalvo’s Italian Ristorante

Rinaldo DiSalvo Jr.  said his mother is having tough time, but is holding up.

Mindy DiSalvo, Rinaldo DiSalvo Jr.’s wife, said it has been a tremendously difficult year for her family.

“The outpouring of support for our family has been overwhelming, and we are so grateful for some many  wonderful people in our life,” she said.

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