A Less Famous 'Cake Boss': Owner Of Longtime Hoboken Business Dies

HOBOKEN, NJ — There was a time when the famous Carlo's Bakery (of "Cake Boss" TV fame) was just one among many longtime family-run Italian bakeries throughout Hoboken.

Until the 2000s, residents could also stop in for a chocolate cannoli or Italian cookies at Cosmo's Bakery at the other end of Washington Street, at 916 Washington.

The owner, Cosmo Sancilio, lived nearby and in recent years could be seen sitting outside his building. He also worked at the senior center downtown.

This past Sunday, Sancilio passed away at age 70.

UPDATE: Services Set For Former Owner Of Cosmo's Bakery

'Constant Presence'

"On behalf of the city, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cosmo Sancilio," said Mayor Ravi Bhalla on Monday. "Cosmo served our community with unwavering dedication through his work in Senior Services. His warmth and generosity of mind and spirit was infectious."

Bhalla noted, "Cosmo spent his time preparing meals to countless senior citizens with grace, humility and a smile, and was a part of countless city events like the Spaghetti Dinner and Senior BBQs.

"He was a constant presence in the Multi, never seeking recognition, yet always delivering comfort and care to our seniors. Hoboken is a better, kinder place because of Cosmo, and he will be deeply missed, but never forgotten."

Councilwoman Emily Jabbour wrote, "I am so sad over the news of the sudden passing of Cosmo Sancilio, a long time and dedicated member of the Hoboken Senior Center Team. In his previous career, Cosmo was an expert baker — and I was always impressed with his delicious treats like these zeppoles on St Joseph’s Day. I will miss his warm hugs, great cheer, and all of the positivity that he brought to my days. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him."

Mark Leyner Was A Fan

Sancilio eventually placed a note on the bakery saying he wanted to be more than a baker, and added new food items to the menu. But he closed a few years later.

Sancilio's mom, Isabella, worked in the bakery for many years, passing away in 2016 at age 93.

Rosticeria Da Gigi in Hoboken is now serving up baked goods as well as full meals and deli sandwiches at the former Cosmo's spot at 916 Washington St.

Among Cosmo's loyalists was Hoboken resident Mark Leyner, who wrote a humor piece in the New Yorker in 1994 satirizing product placement. Read Leyner's piece, "Eat At Cosmo's," here.

See a picture of Cosmo helping serve dinner at the senior center in 2020 here.