I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Dominick "Duke" Mack, founder of Mack's Pizza on Friday, September 18th 2009. I've been visiting the Robert's Avenue pizza shop since I was a kid when I only knew him to be the man at Mack's. I eventually came to know Duke personally when I worked for him years later. Duke always held celebrity status with me... he just had that kind of charisma. An old school guy who you just wanted to be around. He was a sharp businessman with a cool demeanor who would stand up to anyone. He was kind hearted and generous, a man who loved his family and friends. I'll always remember his dry humor. He'd say something to someone then give you that wink... he loved to kid around. Some of my favorite memories of Duke are when I'd come to work on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Mack's. There he'd be, up on the counter pulling the chains to raise the shop door while the National Anthem played above the boardwalk (as it would every morning throughout the season). A cup of coffee and a morning chat with Duke as he started to bang out the first slice pie... all was right on the Wildwood Boardwalk. I feel very fortunate to have known Duke and hold close my memories of the "Man at Mack's". |
The obituary below was printed in the Wildwood Leader. |
Written by Ralph Grassi 2009
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