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by Jane Stahl
As they say, sometimes we don’t really appreciate things until they’re gone. A Boyertown “icon”—Joe, owner of Mario’s Pizza, located on South Reading Avenue—may well fit that description today as we learn that he has closed down the establishment and moved on.
Facebook was full of messages about the closing of Mario's, but we’d love to see that he gets them—thanking him for his generosity and many kindnesses over the years as well as the pizza and sandwiches that we’ve enjoyed. And we want to give him our best wishes in whatever the future holds. (Please let us know how we might contact him.)
Mario's was my favorite place for pizza and cheese steak hoagies; but, more importantly, I remember him for the generosity he offered to young people I know--those struggling in one way or another--and his pride in doing so.
One day, after witnessing his generosity, I stopped in with funding to "cover the cost" of a bunch of pies, sodas, and homemade dishes he'd donated to individuals over the years. He politely--and insistently--refused to accept the donation to his cause, but I'll always remember my gratitude for his kindness.
In a previous Expression article, Mike Strzelecki and I took a pizza tour and visited 8 pizza establishments in town to find the "best"; Mario's was my personal favorite--in part, I'm sure, because of my gratitude for Joe's generosity.. Find the article here: pizza tour
Some comments from Facebook today tell me I was not alone in appreciating what he did for others.
Kyle B: It’s the first thing I do when I come back to B-town
Christy G: So many memories in those booths
Robin R: He really was a Boyertown icon. He always would throw in a soda with your order
Chris R: Not only my favorite pizza in Boyertown but probably anywhere.
Hilary S: That was my very 1st job…so many memories.
April S. NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOETC
Jason B: Legend.
Chad S: I don’t even know where to get pizza now. I always went to Joe
Alyssa S: Sad. Joe was always nice to us “kids” growing up.
Steve M. Closed for the day bro. Not forever, I think.
Matt M. : We…loved going there and they loved us. Treated us like family. We will definitely miss Mario’s
Chad S: Happy for Joe, but, man, I will miss his pizza….the best!
Donna D: Oh, this is so sad all these years loved his pizza. Will miss his kindness.
Carole K: He still had the best pizza. Another iconic part of Boyertown gone.
Jarred K: One of the best pies for sure.
Kristi S: Best pizza in town! Mario’s will be missed.
Lawrence A: His pizza was awesome
Brandon S: Joe was the best! Best slices ever!
Jeff S: Best pizza ever made!
Donnald M: He was a special guy. Years ago I’d get there for a pick up and it was never ready. He would say “Sit down” and bring me a bottle of Bud
Wesley A: Nooooooo…. So many memories of Mario’s
Phil H: Best pizza around and joe was a trip.
Happy Trails, my friend.
More News from Boyertown
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- What Happened to YOU? Share Your Story with Writer Sandra Williams on Sunday, November 23, 2025 Writer and teacher Sandra Williams wants to know "What Happened to YOU?" in a writing/sharing workshop on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Studio B Art Gallery.
