The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) sends its condolences to the family of Erminia Matticchio who passed away at the age of 100 on February 14. Matticchio was the mother of Emmy Award-winning television host, author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich. 

“We are deeply saddened to hear of Erminia Matticchio’s passing,” said NIAF Chairman The Honorable Patricia de Stacy Harrison. “Together with her daughter, Lidia, Erminia brought the love and joy of family and food—the pillars of the Italian American experience—to the homes of millions. She will be missed by her family and millions of people throughout the world.” 

Matticchio, affectionately known as “Grandma” to fans, was on many of Bastianich’s cooking shows throughout Bastianich’s successful career, including her latest “Eating in with Lidia” PBS special which has responded to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

On February 19, Bastianich announced the sad news on social media: “Our team will be dedicating many of my future posts to her as we get through this difficult time.”