Ever wondered about the rich history of Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, NJ? Buddy Valastro, the star of the smash-hit reality show Cake Boss, burst onto our screens in 2009, turning himself and his family into household names. But many fans are curious—why isn't Buddy's dad part of the picture, especially since the bakery was once his? Let's dive into this heartfelt tale.

Tracing Back to the Roots: Buddy's Dad and His Legacy

Buddy Valastro Sr. tragically passed away in 1994 at the young age of 54, just three months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Buddy was only 17 at the time, but this event thrust him into a new role—he became the man of the house, taking on the responsibility of leading the family bakery. Buddy often credits his success to his father, who originally bought Carlo's Bakery back in 1964 after years of hard work there. When Buddy started working for his dad in the '80s, his first job was washing dishes. Talk about starting from the bottom!

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This is for the man who made me who I am today. You taught me everything I know and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. I only wish you could see us all now! I love you, I miss you, and I'm always thinking of you. Happy Father's Day daddy!
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A post shared by Buddy Valastro (@buddyvalastro) on Jun 18, 2017 at 1:15pm PDT

“My dad wanted me to understand every piece of the business,” Buddy shared with The National, reflecting on their bond. “He believed it was crucial for me to learn from the ground up—from dishwashing to decorating. I was his apprentice, and I soaked up everything he taught me.”

A Heartfelt Tribute on Father's Day

Every year, Buddy honors his late father on Father's Day. In one touching Instagram post, he shared a collection of nostalgic photos. “This is for the man who shaped who I am today,” he wrote. “You taught me everything I know, and without you, I wouldn’t be here. I only wish you could see where we are now! I love you, I miss you, and you're always on my mind. Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!”

Double Tragedy: Losing Mom to ALS

Life handed Buddy another heartbreak when he lost his mother, Mary, in June after a long fight with ALS. “It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I have to share the news of my mother’s passing,” he wrote. “She left for heaven this morning, surrounded by her family. This is a tough time for all of us, and I ask for your patience and respect as we process this. Her battle with ALS has ended, and she’s no longer in pain. I hope she’s out there dancing to I Will Survive with my dad right now.”

Despite these losses, Buddy continues to honor his parents’ legacy through Carlo's Bakery. “This is more than just a business—it’s a family tradition,” he said. “This is where we grew up, and it’s what we’re passionate about. My mom and dad instilled a strong work ethic in me and my sisters early on. We work tirelessly to keep the bakery thriving.”