On June 3, 2024, Fernando Tosti, beloved husband of 63 years to the late Mary Theresa Tosti (nee Ciotta); devoted father of Fernando T. Tosti and his wife Judy, Mark A. Tosti, and Victor Tosti and his life partner Lori; loving grandfather of Alise Waicker and her husband Alex; cherished great grandfather of Leo Tosti and Audrey M. Waicker.
Fernando Tosti arrived in Baltimore on October 29, 1947. At only 17 years of age he was ready to embark on a beautiful journey of family, friends, and a life full of love and happiness.
Prior to coming to the US, Nando accomplished much as a young person. He spent much time with his grandfather helping with the family hotel-Belsito.
He worked as a golf caddy in Fiuggi, meeting and caddying for the Queen of Spain. Also, he worked in Rome at an artisan custom craft shop. There he was an apprentice studying to become a Master of Stained Glass.
Once in the USA, Nando’s various jobs included working at a clothing factory, owning the 1st of its kind Ravioli business in Little Italy, part owner of a used VW dealership, part owner of a hair salon on Harford Rd with his Brother-in-law Bart Ciotta, Manager of a bar in OC Maryland called the Patio Bar & Lounge currently Tony’s pizza. In 1979, Nando returned to OC to open Tosti’s Italian Deli & Carry Out which became a landmark for tourists from all over. Though Nando was involved in numerous enterprises, his main love of work was that of a bricklayer. Numerous buildings and homes throughout Baltimore City and County have Nando’s trademark touches.
Nando served in the US Army 3rd Armored Division from ‘53-‘55 training for the Korean War where he trained as a tank driver. Luckily the War was ended just prior of Nando being shipped abroad.
Along with their numerous trips to Florida, the Hampton’s, New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco and other cities, Nando and his wife Mary’s most memorable trips were traveling to his hometown of Fiuggi, Italy and Trapani, Sicily (Mary’s parent’s hometown).
Nando continued to carry on the Italian traditions and culture with his love of cooking and hosting family Italian dinners, attending Little Italy Festivals and Events, and catching up with his buddies at the Monday Night meetings and get togethers at the Italian American Civic Club. Nando has been a member there for nearly 60 years.
His love and admiration of family is an amazing and heartwarming story.
Holidays, birthdays and “special occasions” were always happy times for Nando. Having his family all together was his greatest pleasure and made Nando exceptionally proud and content. Nando and his wife Mary were married for 63 years. La Vita Buona!
Friends may call at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Rd. (beltway exit 26) on Thursday, June 6th from 3 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 8501 Loch Raven Boulevard, Towson, MD 21286, on Friday, June 7th, 9 AM. Interment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.
https://www.ruckfuneral.com/obituary/fernando-tosti