Iconic New Haven Bakery Shutters After Over 40 Years

NEW HAVEN, CT — Rocco's Bakery, a fixture at 432 Ferry Street for over 40 years, has closed its doors.

Owner Anna DiBenedetto and her husband Tony opened Rocco's in 1982.

"This was a very emotional, painful and difficult decision," the shop posted on social media. "This decision stems from Anna’s inability to keep up with the demands of her job and care for her husband simultaneously."

Rocco's fans took to the internet to express their dismay, and compassion.

Redditor HrtBRknHby wondered, "Where am I going to get ciccioli bread now. My family has been literally going there my whole 39 years of life. Rocco's is all I know."

On Facebook, Rocco's fan Frank DeLuca was bittersweet: "Very sad to hear this, the loss of such a legendary CT staple. But it’s very understandable and I hope Anna enjoys her retirement and hope her husband gets better. Thank you for all those pastries over the years and my absolute favorite ciccoli bread!!"

The Facebook post from the bakery indicated that Anna's decision was sped along somewhat by an oven in need of repairs and a desire to care for her husband.

"Anna, who is in her 70s, would like to retire and spend more time with her husband, who isn’t in the best health," the post reads. "This decision was not easy, many tears were shed along the way, but we hope you understand where we are coming from. Thank you all again for your support and we are so proud to have been serving our customers for 40 years!"