Mary Pastore

MARY PASTORE of Richmond Heights, Ohio passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 90 on Thursday, January 30, 2020. She was born on March 26, 1929 in Cleveland Ohio, to Carmelo and Teresa (Pugliese) Pastore. Survived by beloved sister Theresa Anthony (Tony, deceased), and preceded in death by brothers Sebastian “Busty” Pastore (Barbara), Joseph Pastore (Mary), and sister Francis Judson. Mary was mom “or often Ma” to her daughter Theresa and son-in-law Joseph DiSanto. Gram to Lisa Di Santo, Gina Nasrabadi (Amir). Grandma Mary to great grandchildren, Joseph, Ava and Anita. Aunt Mary to many cherished nephews and nieces… and “Scorch” to a certain few who could get away with it. Mary was a lifetime resident of Cleveland a city she truly loved and was proud to call home. Everywhere she went she knew someone – or someone who knew someone, who knew someone. She was known throughout her community, not only because she was a fiery, sub 5-foot tall redhead but for her zest for life and her kindness. If you needed her, she’d be there without hesitation and in a moment’s notice. She moved quickly and swiftly in her beloved car (“My Baby”), zipping through the city, crossing from the east side to the west side like she was after a speed record. Wherever she was going, she got there in a hurry and took care of business before needing to dart off to her next mission. She had two speeds, fast forward and asleep. A pillar in the restaurant and hospitality industry for over 50 years, she began her career in the heyday of the Short Vincent era, working at The Theatrical and other establishments on this famous strip. She then went on to run Captain Franks Restaurant on the East 9th Street Pier for many years, finishing her amazing career on the Nautica Queen, where you’d often find her leading passengers in the electric slide. Mary spent much of her free time volunteering and giving back to her community and she was also a member of the Mayfield Heights Senior Citizens club. She became a dedicated volunteer for the Helping Hands Ministry after her retirement, working alongside a team of amazing people, who became lifelong friends and then family. During her life she was very dedicated to the church and to making the lives of those around her better. She took care of anyone she had the opportunity to do so and no one in her orbit ever went hungry. If she had food, it was yours as well… like it or not! Mary spent much of her time volunteering for the church. She was a eucharistic minister at mass as she also brought communion and visited those who couldn’t attend services. For the past 7+ years, Mary called Waterford home. In true form, she embraced this community of team members and residents. Some friendships were new and special, some had been formed in years prior to Waterford. All held a special place with her. Mary did things her way and this was true until the end; she was an anomaly and our world won’t be the same without her. It didn’t matter how she felt or what was going on in her world at the time– if you came to visit her, you’d be sure to hear “Honey, take a cookie, help yourself before you go.” She was truly special and one of a kind. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM Thursday February 6 at St. Paschal Baylon Church, 5384 Wilson Mills Rd. Highland Hts. OH 44143 (Please Meet at Church). Interment All Souls Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the DiCICCO & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. OH 44124, WEDNESDAY 2:00-7:00 PM. Online guest book and condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com