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Founder of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Ted Twardzik Sr., Passes Away at 89

NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP — The founder of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Theodore “Ted” Twardzik Sr., passed away Thursday at the age of 89, according to...

NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP -- The founder of Mrs. T's Pierogies, Theodore "Ted" Twardzik Sr., passed away Thursday at the age of 89, according to his company.

He died surrounded by his family at Schuylkill Center's Homestead Care near Pottsville.

Many are remembering the legacy he now leaves behind.

"Talent hits a target that no one else can hit and genius hits a target that no one else can see. And he saw the potential for the pierogies and hit a bullseye," said Ted Twardzik Jr.

Ted Twardzik's three sons -- Ted Jr, Tim, and Tom -- realize now more than ever they have big shoes to fill. Their father started this business in Shenandoah with his mother's special pierogie recipe and five women in a kitchen.

Now 65 years later, Mrs. T's Pierogies are sold all around the country

In his hometown, Mrs. T's is still the largest employer.

"that is why he was here and did this. He always had his people and his community at the heart of what he did," said Tom Twardzik.

On top of being a boss employing hundreds, Ted Twardzik was known for opening his wallet for his hometown, donating a building for Shenandoah's Historical Society and donating to many causes that help children.

"It wasn't about the tax deductions. It wasn't about the recognition. It was helping the people he loved," added Ted Jr.

It's no surprise with Ted Twardzik's passing that many people in Shenandoah, especially his employees, have nice things to say.

"I have likened it to, it seems to be a competition on who can say the nicest things about our dad."

All three of these men worked for Ted Twardzik for decades and now have lifelong memories of a man who was more than a boss.

"It was so easy to walk up to Ted and Pete M. and they are the guys who were pretty much running the plant then, and you could just talk to them. It was a really nice feeling to be able to talk to the boss just like that," said employee Joe Donahoe.

"If you think how many lives have been touched by a pierogie, by Ted's mom's recipe, by Ted's mom's recipe, all the people employed here and all the consumers who eat our product," said employee Tim Coyle.

 

 

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 13, at Saint Casimir's Catholic Church in Shenandoah from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will also be one hour of visitation on Monday, November 14, at the church before the burial from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Mrs. T's has always worked with our Go Joe charity bike run benefiting the St. Joseph's Center.

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