Owner of North End bakery, Mike's Pastry, dies

BOSTON (WHDH) -- The man behind the well known North End bakery, Mike's Pastry, has died. Michael Mercogliano, the original owner, was 90 years old.

Mike's Pastry is halfway down Hanover Street, but it's the cornerstone of the Italian neighborhood.

“Its fundamental for places like this to exist because it gives the neighborhood character,” said Jim Leverone, Mike’s Pastry customer.

A post on the shop's Facebook page reads, "It is with the deepest sadness and sorrow that we announce the death of the grandfather, father, husband - the Owner of Mike's Pastry - Mr. Michael Mercogliano. We will love and miss you every day."

But his legacy will live on. Some former Bostonians back in town for a visit say Mike's is one of the first places they return to.

“It was kind of the pinnacle part of my time here, so it means a lot,” said Alex Harrison.

The shop is a tourist destination -- a line almost always runs out the door.

“I said, ‘Hey where should I go?’ And this place was specifically where I was told I needed to come,” Cheryl Brown, visiting from North Carolina.

Some regulars to the North End, who prefer other pastry shops, made an effort to swing by.

“We normally go to Modern Pastry, but on this occasion we came to Mike's to pay our respects,” said Jeff Maciak.

Mike's Pastry will remain open. The shop is run Mike's family and customers who grew up eating here are happy it is so their family tradition can continue as well.