Michele Scotto (Di Cesare) passed peacefully, surrounded by his entire family, including his great-grandchildren, at his Morristown home on Saturday, April 4. He was 96 years old.
He was truly an incredible man — strong in his presence, in the way he loved his family and friends, and in his entrepreneurial spirit. This kind of strength resonated through everyone he interacted with, and it will live on. He leaves a great legacy behind.
An ever active and astute Italian businessman, Michele excelled at many pursuits, including transoceanic cruise service. Early in life, he was a barber by trade. After marrying his beloved wife, Maria, at the age of 26, he realized that remaining in his hometown would not provide the opportunities he wanted for his growing family. He therefore embarked on work aboard passenger ships, where he served as a waiter and found ways to better support his family. Even there, his entrepreneurial spirit was evident—buying and selling goods from port to port and cutting hair for both crew and passengers during his time off.
Through his travels to the United States, Michele fell in love with the idea of owning his own business and building something more. On one of his cruises, he was assigned to serve guests at a table that had the Cardinal and other distinguished passengers. At the end of the voyage, the Cardinal offered a blessing, and another guest—who was the Director of the American Consulate in charge of U.S. visa issuance said, “If you ever need anything, come see me.” Months later, Michele obtained visas for his family to move to New York.
He invested in the American dream and opened Michele’s Pizzeria in a prime midtown Manhattan location next to the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Over time, he developed a regional network of stores. Always loyal to his hometown of Monte di Procida, he recruited volunteers eager to work, mentoring many. This not only expanded his business but also inspired many Montesi to immigrate, learn the trade, and ultimately become pizzeria owners themselves. He applauded their successes and was proud to be part of nurturing their journey. Then with his sons, he later expanded into multiple fast-food chains and restaurants nationwide and internationally.
Today, Michele is hailed in Monte di Procida, Italy as “The Barber Who Left and Conquered America,” and locally he was honored by Montesi di America.
Michele was a forward thinker who never gave up, always seeking better and more efficient ways to do things. Despite language barriers, he was tenacious in resolving challenges and seeing things through.
All along, although he was consumed by work, his family was always his number one priority. His hard work was to support his family and to see them flourish. Being together warmed his heart, and the simple pleasures of life brought him joy. Always there for someone in need and welcoming to whomever entered his life. He had a special aura that indelibly always left a mark on the people he came in contact with. His presence commanded a room without even speaking.
Michele is survived by his wife, Maria; his brother and sisters, Salvatore Scotto, Yolanda Scotto Di Frega, and Maria Scotto Di Frega; his sons, Biagio (and wife Regina) and Anthony (and wife Maria); and his daughters, Connie Cafone (and husband Robert) and Rose Marchitelli (and husband Roberto). He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, each of whom deeply love him and will greatly miss him.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Virgil’s Catholic Church in Morris Plains on Friday, April 10, at 10:00 a.m.
**PLEASE NOTE: *THERE IS NO PUBLIC VISITATION FOR MR. SCOTTO.**