Meet Buddy Valastro’s Parents: Mary Valastro and Bartolo Valastro Sr.

Bartolo Valastro Jr., widely known as Buddy Valastro, is an American baker, television personality, and entrepreneur best recognized as the star of TLC’s Cake Boss (2009–2020). After taking over Carlo’s Bakery at just 17 following his father’s passing, he transformed the family business into a thriving multi-location empire renowned for its intricate cake creations.

In addition to hosting Cake Boss and spin-offs such as Next Great Baker and Buddy’s Bakery Rescue, Valastro has authored several cookbooks and is actively involved in charitable efforts supporting organizations like the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics.

Bartolo Valastro Jr. was born on March 3, 1977, in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Sr. and Mary Tubito Valastro. He grew up alongside his four older sisters—Grace, Mary (Mary Sciarrone), Maddalena, and Lisa Valastro.

Buddy attended Ridgefield Park High School and furthered his passion for baking through specialized courses at Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro Campus. He is of Italian-American heritage, and while he has shared much about his family and career, his personal religious beliefs have not been publicly disclosed.

Mary Tubito Valastro

Mary Tubito Valastro was born on April 17, 1948, in Altamura, Bari, Puglia, Italy, to Nicola Tubito and Maddalena Giordano. Her family immigrated to New Jersey when she was six years old.

While information about her siblings and educational background remains private, she was of Italian descent. Mary was a familiar presence on Cake Boss until her retirement in 2010. She passed away on June 22, 2017, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Bartolo Valastro Sr

Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Sr. was born in the early 1940s in Lipari, Italy; however, his exact birth date and family details remain undisclosed. Information about his education is also not publicly available. Of Italian descent, he managed Carlo’s Bakery prior to passing the business to his son, Buddy Valastro Jr., and worked alongside him until his death in 1994.Edit