It’s been just over a month since Buddy Valastro's mom, Mary Valastro, passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. The beloved Cake Boss star is now opening up about how he plans to honor her memory and ensure her legacy lives on for generations to come. In a recent interview with People, Buddy reveals the touching ways he and his family are keeping their momma close, even as they navigate this difficult time.
For Buddy Valastro and his family, the power of television offers a unique opportunity to keep Mary's spirit alive. “That’s the beauty of television — we have all that footage of seeing Momma the way we want,” Buddy shared during his interview. Fans of Cake Boss know Mary as the vibrant, loving matriarch who always brought warmth and humor to the bakery. Now, her presence on the show will continue to remind viewers of her incredible energy and influence on the Valastro family.
In a deeply personal moment, Buddy and his four sisters compiled a video montage of Mary’s best moments from Cake Boss and played it during her funeral service on Tuesday, June 27. “We just all watched it and we cried; it was an amazing tribute to her,” Buddy explained. “We wanted to give her a really good goodbye.” This heartfelt gesture not only honored Mary’s memory but also allowed the family to celebrate her life in a way that felt uniquely her.
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Losing my mom has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face. She passed away surrounded by her family, and though her battle with ALS has ended, her legacy will live on forever. I hope she’s up there dancing to “I Will Survive” with my dad right now.
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Buddy confirmed to People that while the cameras weren’t rolling during Mary’s funeral service, a portion of the memorial reception was recorded and will air in a future episode of Cake Boss. “I feel like that’s what she would’ve wanted,” Buddy said. “We want to keep her memory alive.” For Buddy, whose father Bartolo Valastro Sr. also passed away in 1994, this is a way to honor both of his parents through the series. “The way I keep my father’s memory alive [on the series], I’m going to keep my mother’s alive,” he added.
Mary tragically passed away at the age of 69 after an eight-year battle with ALS on Thursday, June 22. The day before her passing, Buddy visited her at her New Jersey apartment to say goodbye. “I got to sit by her and say, ‘Ma, I owe everything to you. I wouldn’t be who I am without you. You’re my No. 1 girl,’” Buddy recalled. “I got to say my peace. I got to say goodbye to her.”
When describing his mom, Buddy’s admiration and love shine through. “She was the most energetic, lively, bubbly person I ever met in my life. She was like a firecracker on steroids,” he said with a smile. Mary’s vibrant personality and unwavering support made her the heart of the Valastro family, and her absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew her. Rest in peace, Mary. We’ll all miss you dearly.
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