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BORN
1926
DIED
2024
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Tosca Rienzo Obituary
January 28, 1926 March 7, 2024
Bakersfield Tosca was born in New York City on January 28, 1926. She went to Italy in 1934, returned to America in 1973, and resided in Bakersfield for 51 years.
Better known to many as mama, Ms. Rienzo was very instrumental to the success of local family owned Italian restaurant, Mama Tosca's. Working until 91 years of age, she was a mama to whoever walked in the restaurant doors.
Tosca was preceded in death by her son Mario Rienzo; sisters, Filomena Rienzo, Yolanda Stockli, Maria Mathews, and Eva Vecchione; brother, Henry Rienzo; and nephews Victor Farrow and Vincent Esposito. She is survived by her sons, Luigi Rienzo, Antonio Rienzo and wife Cristina. Tosca is also survived by her grandchildren, Fabiana Rienzo-Torres and Matteo Rienzo; niece, Maria Fisher and husband Ward and son Ryan; niece, Teresa Young; niece, Cindy Pilling and husband Jimmy; nephews, Frank Esposito, Jerry Esposito, and Tony Esposito and wife Jana, David Esposito, Johnny Lingo; niece, Tina and husband Bill, and many other loving relatives and friends in Italy.
Tosca loved a tidy home and cook Neapolitan staple dishes. She was very creative when cooking, and had no culinary degree. Tosca was known for her joking demeanor and could make anyone laugh. Her piercing blue eyes and infectious laugh will be truly missed and will live in our hearts forever.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 12300 Reina Road, Bakersfield, CA for Tosca Adelina Rienzo, 98, who passed peacefully on March 7, 2024 in Bakersfield surrounded by her loving family. The Rite of Committal will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Northeast, 3700 River Blvd.
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Memories and Condolences
for Tosca Rienzo
Sponsored by Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast.
6 Entries
Otis Paul Gipson
August 21, 2024
So many memories,I loved working with momma, put down, you put down..I will never forget this family. Almost made 100 and in her teens during WW2 amazing woman
Tina Davidson
March 15, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss cousin's I remember taking cookie over to see her and not understanding a word they say for hrs, but never regretted it because those 2 were always happy to see each other and now they're together with my brother Vincent. I wish I could have been there for both of there passing but not sure if you remember I live in Michigan but wanted you to know that I truly share your loss love always Tina. The baby of the family..
Mark & Robyn Garibaldi
March 15, 2024
Condolences and prayers for the Rienzo Family.
Monica Ross
March 12, 2024
I had the pleasure of dancing with Mama when they were located on Ming. She had a love for music and dancing. Tosca had a great sense of humor, and enjoy a good story.
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Erika Monet
March 11, 2024
Our condolences to the family. Mama was the spirit of the restaurant that touched so many people.
I´ll always remember that mama called me oregana instead of Erika since the first day I met her. Also, that she loved to dance to the live band when Mama´s was at the original location on Ashe. Mama definitely had her moves.
Maggie
March 11, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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