Monongahela pizza maker ends long career
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
After four decades running one of Monongahela’s best-known pizza places, Joan Rzepka baked her last “legendary” pie.
Before the owner of Dettore’s Pizza hung up her apron for the last time Thursday, she was given a special parting gift from the Monongahela Main Street Program and members of the Mon Valley community.
On Monday, Dettore’s announced that Rzepka would retire after 43 years and pass along her legacy — and her culinary secrets — to Brad Feld.
Shortly after her retirement announcement, Monongahela Main Street Program Executive Director Terry Necciai reached out to the community via social media to honor her with a virtual retirement party.
He created a graphic and solicited comments and memories from community members and former Valley residents on Facebook.
The oversized card, containing more than 120 comments from pizza lovers and friends, was printed and given to Rzepka on Thursday.
“This is something she can take home as a souvenir of her tremendous role in our community,” Necciai said. “Forty-three years is a long time to working diligently at building up a business and we’ve all seen Joan working diligently.
“Over those same 43 years, this business has played a role in building up our community in general.”
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