Legendary Philly Pizza Queen Passes Away

Barbara Tacconelli, matriarch of the famous Tacconelli's pizza clan, passed away last Saturday from heart failure. She was 70 years old. Tacconelli married her husband Vincent when she was 16 years old, and began working at his family's pizza parlor, which is now Philly's most internationally famous pie. For years, Tacconelli's was listed on local mags "Best Of" lists and given praise by local critics, but an appearance on CBS' West 57th Street national news show let the rest of the world in on the secret.

Tacconelli and her husband retired to the Jersey shore in 2002, leaving the operation to the next two generations. They're continuing on the tradition of Philly's best pizza, and that doesn't look to change anytime soon. Philly lost a true legend this past weekend, and our thoughts are with the family.

The funeral mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at Mother of Divine Grace Church, 2918 E. Cambria Street.

· Barbara Tacconelli of Pizza Parlor Fame [Philly.com]
· All Obituary Coverage [~EPHI~]