Marion Scotto, the beloved mother of FOX 5’s Rosanna Scotto and the “heart of Fresco by Scotto,” has died at the age of 90.
For over three decades, “Mama Scotto” welcomed diners to her Midtown Manhattan restaurant, treating everyone, from presidents to everyday New Yorkers, as guests in her own home. Rosanna Scotto shared in a tribute that her mother took a significant “leap of faith” to open the eatery in 1993, even mortgaging the Brooklyn home where she and her late husband, Anthony, raised their family. This gamble ultimately established a lasting family legacy.
Marion Scotto, a mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother, believed strongly in her family and the value of hard work, considering her family her greatest accomplishment. She also became a familiar presence on FOX 5, appearing with her daughter for holiday broadcasts and sharing family traditions and recipes.
Her husband, Anthony, died in 2021 after more than 60 years of marriage. Rosanna described her mother’s legacy as one of “generosity, resilience, hospitality, and love.”
Fresco by Scotto remains a family-owned establishment, celebrated for its classic Italian dishes. Over the years, the restaurant has hosted an array of notable figures, including Jay-Z, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Selena Gomez, Sylvester Stallone, Nick Jonas, Whitney Houston, world leaders, athletes, and numerous Broadway and Hollywood stars. Scotto noted in a 2024 interview that the restaurant's success with VIP clientele stems from making them feel comfortable and welcome.