Theodore F. “Ted” Twardzik, Sr., founder of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, died on November 10, 2016, with his loving family by his side. He was 89 years old.
Mr. Twardzik founded the Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, USA-headquartered company that bears his mother’s name in 1952. He was inspired by the long lines of people at church festivals and fairs clamoring to buy her homemade pierogies – and the belief that those long lines could be extended to steady sales in grocery stores as well.
With five women sitting around his mother’s kitchen making traditional Polish pierogies that were distributed to local retailers, the entrepreneur knew he was on to something. It wasn’t long before he had worn out his welcome in that kitchen and decided to move production operations to dedicated premises at 600 East Centre Street. To this day the business remains at this location (about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia), where Mrs. T’s/Ateeco Inc. ranks as Shenandoah’s largest employer with more than 240 people of the payroll.
Mr. Twardzik is credited with bringing a completely new category to the frozen food aisle with the introduction of pierogies, which in the USA during the 1950s were mainly purchased by people with Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and Slavic roots. But soon, Americans of all sorts of ethnic backgrounds were discovering and enjoying these delicious “dumplings” with East European origins. Success came not only from skillfully mass-producing and marketing the products, but also from inventing and developing Mrs. T’s proprietary equipment for making pierogies.
Mr. Twardzik took great pride that his idea, vision and hard work led to the first national brand of frozen pierogies featuring numerous kinds of fillings folded into semi circle-shaped pasta shells. Flavors run the gamut from Classic Onion and Classic Cheddar to Traditional Sauerkraut, Broccoli & Cheddar, Spicy Jalapeno & Sharp Cheddar, the recently launched Garlic & Parmesan variety, and more.
An even greater joy to him was the impact Mrs. T’s had on providing jobs and income to thousands of employees and their families in the community for more than 60 years. He never forgot his hometown of Shenandoah and the people who helped him realize his dream.
“My family has lost a husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Our community lost a tireless advocate for its citizens, and the industry lost a pioneer. We will miss his indomitable spirit, unique sense of humor and tireless work ethic,” said Tom Twardzik, son of Mr. Twardzik and current president of Mrs. T’s Pierogies. “We are humbled to know that his legacy will live on every day in the countless people he touched and the millions of Americans who love Mrs. T’s Pierogies.”
Born on September 7, 1927, to parents Frank and Mary (Benik) Twardzik of Shenandoah, Theodore F. Twardzik was one of six children. He graduated from Mahanoy Township High School in 1945 and went on to attend the University of Notre Dame. His time in South Bend, Indiana, was interrupted to serve in the US Army, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 83rd Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron.
After being honorably discharged from the military service, he returned to college, graduating with honors and a business degree in 1951. At Notre Dame he was active in the Glee Club where he served as the group’s treasurer and participated in the club’s two appearances on CBS-TV’s Toast of the Town, hosted by Ed Sullivan.
Mr. Twardzik’s first job was with the Arthur Anderson & Company in New York City. Having gained valuable experience there as a staff accountant, he returned home with an entrepreneurial vision of bringing his mother’s pierogies to the masses.
Even after retirement, Mr. Twardzik’s passion for business did not wane. In 2000, he co-founded Lee’s Oriental Gourmet Foods, which is still operating today in Shenandoah, employing 30 people.
Mr. Twardzik and his wife of 60 years, Jean, supported numerous local and national charities. They were members of the Edward Frederick Sorin Society Founder’s Circle at Notre Dame, created the Twardzik Family General Library Endowment and supported a Distinguished Library Collection in Polish Studies.
The Twardziks were also supporters of Hillsdale College and are President’s Club Life Members. They created the Twardzik Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Endowment, which funds the Twardzik Business Seminar Scholarship and the Twardzik Free Enterprise Tradition Award Scholarship.
The couple donated the building on South Main Street in Shenandoah that now houses the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society. Mr. Twardzik was a Pace Setter of the Schuylkill United Way, continuing his father Frank’s charter efforts with the Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children.
The deceased is survived by his wife as well three sons, Ted Jr., Tim, and Tom; five grandsons; and nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on November 14 in St. Casimir Church, followed by interment with military honors at St. Casimir Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights.
Persons wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so by visiting www.woffuneralhome.com.
