In lieu of funeral, Brackenridge mourners line streets to recall founder of Vibo's Italian Bakery

Friends, neighbors and longtime customers of Mary Lopreiato took to the streets of Brackenridge on Saturday to mourn the woman who founded Vibo’s Italian Bakery more than 30 years ago.

Lopreiato — affectionately known as “Mrs. Vibo” to many customers — died at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh on May 8. She was 84.

They couldn’t hold a traditional funeral because of the pandemic, so family members encouraged mourners to participate while abiding by social distancing rules in place.

People stood along the sidewalks near the bakery on Brackenridge Avenue as they watched Lopreiato’s funeral procession go by and head toward a private blessing and entombment at Mt. Airy Cemetery in Harrison. On Friday, visitors gave their condolences while remaining inside their cars during a drive-by visitation outside Curran Funeral Home on Market Street in Leechburg.

Born in Sant’Onofrio, Italy, Lopreiato served up her “delicious creations” for more than 25 years before retiring in 2009, her family wrote in an obituary.

Prior to opening the bakery, Lopreiato was a homemaker and seamstress, according to the obituary. She also worked as a laborer for steel manufacturer Allegheny Ludlum in 1979 and as a custodian for Highlands School District in the 1980s. She loved hosting Sunday dinners and watching loved ones play bocce ball at the family’s home court.

Once pandemic-related restrictions are lifted, the family plans to hold a Mass at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church in Tarentum, where Lopreiato was a longtime member.