A prominent Valastro family member is Grace Faugno, best known for her participation in TLC’s Cake Boss. Grace, the “Cake Boss”‘s older sister, is crucial to Carlo’s Bakery. She discusses her life, family, and profession.
Early Life and Family Background
Grace Faugno (née Valastro) is Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Sr. and Mary Valastro’s firstborn, born June 30, 1966. Grace was raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, with four siblings: Buddy Valastro, Mary Sciarrone, Lisa Gonzalez, and Maddalena Castano.
Grace is the oldest sibling and helps manage Carlo’s Bakery with her siblings. The Valastro family, especially Buddy, is famous for their baking and cake decorating skills, and Cake Boss made Carlo’s Bakery famous.
Grace Faugno’s Mother: Mary Valastro
The revered Valastro family matriarch, Mary Valastro, was born in Altamura, Italy, on April 17, 1948. Cake Boss fans knew her as the mother of five children, including Buddy Valastro, the show’s star, and Grace Faugno, a regular. At six, Mary and her family relocated to the US and settled in Hoboken, New Jersey, where she became strongly involved in the neighborhood and Carlo’s Bakery. Mary’s strong-willed demeanor and humor brought humorous moments to Cake Boss, which viewers loved. She famously said, “You may be the Cake Boss, but I’m the Boss Boss,” which won many fans.
After being diagnosed with ALS in 2011, Mary Valastro’s final years were shaped by it. Mary was a prominent component in the family’s life despite the disease’s devastating effects, which took away her motor abilities. Her children, notably Grace Faugno, supported her throughout the illness. On June 22, 2017, she died at 69, leaving her family and fans devastated. Her son Buddy Valastro grieved on social media, saying Mary was finally pain-free and dancing in heaven. Grace Faugno and her siblings mourned their mother, who had guided their personal lives and contributed to their family’s success.
Role on Cake Boss
Grace Faugno was popular on Cake Boss for her kindness and assistance. She often appeared on television as Carlo’s Bakery’s front counter manager, engaging with customers, managing orders, and working with her siblings and staff.
Her brother Buddy’s amazing cakes get all the attention, but Grace’s work behind the scenes is just as vital. Her appearance on the show highlighted the importance of other family members, especially women, in running the bakery. Grace and her sisters ran the business and supported Buddy’s creativity.
Grace’s down-to-earth nature, sense of humor, and constant love for her family helped the show succeed over time. Grace ran the front counter, handled client contacts, and occasionally helped with special cake orders while Buddy designed extravagant creations.
Family Life: Marriage and Children
Grace married Carlo’s Bakery head baker Joey Faugno. Robert, a 1992 boy, and Bartolina, a 1997 daughter, are their children. Grace and Joey participate on Cake Boss and at public events, celebrating their family life. Joey’s baking skills help the bakery succeed, thus the couple is close personally and professionally.
With her son Robert highlighted in Cake Boss episodes, Grace’s children have grown up with the bakery’s success. Even outside of reality TV, the Valastro family is close and supportive due to their love of baking.
The Valastro Family Legacy
Buddy Faugno, Grace’s brother, transformed Carlo’s Bakery into a business empire. Beyond cake baking, the Valastro family has a network of close relatives that contribute to the business.
Grace and her sisters oversee various crucial bakery activities to ensure efficiency. Carlo’s Bakery’s daily operations show their teamwork, and Grace’s presence has made her a fan favorite.
Her siblings have unique bakery contributions. Buddy’s sisters Mary and Lisa manage the firm, while Maddalena works behind the scenes. Grace and her siblings helped Carlo’s Bakery become a global brand.
Public Appearances and Social Media Presence
Grace Faugno has kept a low profile outside of Cake Boss, yet she shares personal and family moments on social media. Grace shares images of her family, trips, and bakery with over 1,200 Instagram followers.
Grace and Joey attended an event at Buddy V’s Ristorante at the Venetian Las Vegas in 2023, reaffirming their role in the Valastro family’s growing economic empire.
Conclusion
Being the oldest sister in the Valastro family and appearing on Cake Boss made Grace Faugno famous. Grace’s bakery management and family business support are essential, even though Buddy Valastro is Carlo’s Bakery’s face. Grace’s charisma and family commitment make her a Cake Boss favorite, whether she’s working the front counter or helping with special orders. Grace Faugno’s role in the Valastro family as a wife, mother, and businesswoman still shapes Carlo’s Bakery, making her an important element of the TLC show.
