Teddy Glorioso, founder of iconic Italian grocery store, has died

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Salvatore "Teddy" Glorioso, who co-founded an Italian grocery store that became a Brady Street institution, has died at the age of 95.

Glorioso died on April 17, his family confirmed. Glorioso's Italian Market celebrated its 79th anniversary in February.

The business began with three Glorioso brothers, Joe, Eddie and Teddy, opening the story in 1946.

Glorioso's became an east side icon, and the family owned the business until last summer, when the Presta family from Illinois bought the store. It continues to operate under the Glorioso's name, and the Prestas have said they plan to keep the store as it's always been.

Glorioso was only 16 years old when he opened the Brady Street store with his two brothers. They opened Trio's Pizza next to the store as one of Milwaukee's first pizza restaurants in 1951.

Teddy also continued to own Glorioso's Gold Imports. The family said he continued to work through the age of 95. In recent years, he could occasionally be seen at the checkout line of Glorioso's greeting customers.

Glorioso was the fourth of six siblings. He is survived by his wife, Rose Mary, and they had three children. 

Teddy was a charter member of Milwaukee's Italian Community Center, and he also served the Pompeii Men's Club, Sons of Sicily, Holy Crucifix Society, and was involved with the Brady Street Festival, Festa Italina and St. Rita's festival. 

"Teddy was still working at the age of 95 when he passed, which is the only way he would have it," his obituary posted to Heritage Funeral Homes' website read. "He was a hard worker his entire life and lived to provide for his family and the many people of his extended family. He took great pride and comfort in helping so many people who needed and relied on him throughout their lives. Teddy enhanced the lives of those through his exceptional ability of making friends and maintaining friendships while treating everyone like they were 'family.'"

A visitation for Glorioso has been scheduled for May 8, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Jackson St. from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the funeral Mass at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Teddy’s name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.