Michael and Mary Cirilli are retiring, bidding farewell to grateful customers who enjoyed their cheesesteaks, hoagies, and other sandwiches for decades, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.
The Upper Chichester couple are owners of Michael’s sandwich shop at Jefferson and Fairview roads in Woodlyn. The shop permanently closed on Dec. 31.
That final week saw customers pour into the shop with their own memories of Michael’s, some coming from as far as Virginia to get their final taste.
Michael Cirilli got his start by helping his uncle, Gabriel Cimini, deliver fresh rolls from Earo’s Bakery in Chester to area businesses.
One stop was Tancredi’s Hoagie Shop, the same building that would later house Michael’s.
Michael Cirilli worked at Tancredi’s part-time as he pursued a degree in business management. During his senior year at Penn State, the Tancredi’s sold their business to 23-year-old Michael.
He never looked back.
“After working 60 to 70 hours a week for the past half of a century, I am happy to retire,” Cirilli said.
More than anything else, they will miss the people. Many are now close friends.
Read more about Michael’s and what led to the decision to close in the Daily Times.
