BERWYN, IL — After a long battle with ALS, Renato G. “Ron” Turano, co-chairman of Turano Baking, Senatore to the Italian Republic, and distinguished Italian‐American civic leader, died on Dec. 5. He was 79 years old.
An Italian native of Calabria in the town of Castrolibero, Turano immigrated to the US in 1958.
In 1962, Turano’s father Mariano founded Turano Baking Co., a small bakery on the west side of Chicago specializing in authentic Italian breads, where Renato would work alongside his parents and brothers. In 1965, he married Patricia, his wife of 54 years, and soon began building his own family while working tirelessly to grow the family business.
Renato’s passion and determination would be a driving factor in the company’s success. Alongside his brothers, “Tony” Umberto and Giancarlo, Renato served as president of Turano Baking Co. for 25 years.
The bakery has become a Chicago institution and one of the nation’s leading European artisan bread bakeries, producing baked goods for foodservice and retail outlets in the Chicagoland area and servicing the largest foodservice operators in the country. Renato served as the American Bakers Association (ABA) board chair from 2004 to 2006, and along with his father, uncle and brothers, he was inducted into the American Society of Baking’s Baking Hall of Fame.
After transitioning into the role of co‐chairman, Renato pursued a passion for serving the Italian‐American community. In 2006, Renato was elected as Senatore to the Italian Republic, representing North and Central America. Senatore Turano provided a voice in the Italian Parliament for Italian citizens living abroad, bolstered consular services and helped Italy reduce the bureaucracy that prevented economic development.
Throughout his life, family was at the center of Renato’s joy and success. His wife, Patricia, and three children, Lisa, Renee, and Mario, along with his nine grandchildren, provided his greatest source of pride in a long and illustrious list of accomplishments.
