The heartfelt tributes pouring in from the Port Richmond community and beyond highlight just how significant John Czerw was to the area.
Yesterday, the family-run business Czerw’s Kielbasa announced the passing of its owner, John Czerw.
In an emotional Instagram post, the business paid tribute to John, calling him the “heart and soul” of Czerw’s and a cherished friend to all who knew him.
Czerw’s Kielbasa has been a family legacy for 87 years, renowned for its authentic Polish kielbasa.
The business was founded in 1938 by John’s grandfather, Jan Czerw, a Polish immigrant who creatively converted a horse stable into a shop, where he built a brick oven smokehouse that is still in operation today.
John Czerw, along with his brothers Dennis and Jeffrey, represents the third generation dedicated to preserving their grandfather’s legacy.
They have consistently served the neighborhood with the same beloved recipes that have made their shop a culinary destination.
Locals have long lined up for Czerw’s famed smoked meats, golabki, and pierogi.
To many, however, John was not just a business owner; he was a community pillar known for his generosity and spirit.
A stroll through social media comments reveals the deep impressions John made on countless lives in Port Richmond and beyond.
Mom Mom’s Kitchen shared: “Mom-Mom’s wouldn’t not exist without John and it won’t be the same without him.
For the 12 years we’ve been in business, we often heard stories about the amazing man John was; he was simply one of a kind— the hardest working, the guy you want in your corner and a friend— you’ll be missed beyond words, John.”
Another tribute came from @ebutler821, who fondly remembered John’s kindness: “The last time we were there, a customer in front mentioned he was making lunch for neighborhood volunteer firefighters, and John immediately said, ‘lunch is on me.’
We need more people like John in the world.”
The Fishtown Pickle Project expressed their sadness, stating: “We are absolutely devastated to hear this news.
We will miss John.
He was the kindest human, always smiling.
All our love to his friends and family.
Please lean on the community; we are here.”
@livellidactyl shared: “I am SO heartbroken to read this.
He truly was one of the best, most kind, generous business owners and human beings I had the pleasure to meet.
It was impossible not to leave Czerw’s with a smile on your face after a conversation with John.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Port Richmond will not be the same without him.”
Matt Budenstein, co-founder of Liberty Kitchen, recounted a personal experience that showcased John’s character: “This is so sad.
A few months after my partner’s dad passed away, we visited Czerw’s.
John, upon learning about the loss of her father, who also shared his name, insisted that our $200 order was ‘on him for John.’
I’ll never forget that.”
The tributes reflect John’s warm interactions and generosity.
@humandoline remarked about their first visit to Czerw’s shop, explaining: “I stumbled in there because I was told this was the place to go for any type of smoked sausage.
What I received in return delivered a thousand-fold.
John was not just a businessman; he was a man of the people.
He made you feel instantly welcomed in this beautiful, old neighborhood.
Kindness and generosity are sadly in short supply these days, but John was a steadfast provider of both.
Rest in peace, John.”
John’s genuine concern for his customers is recalled in a heartfelt tribute by @phillyloxsmith: “My deepest condolences to the family.
John was an absolutely wonderful man.
I was constantly amazed by how he remembered personal details about my life, inquiring about my granddaughter and my health issues during our visits.
He loved mushroom barley soup—God bless him.”
In another emotional note, @keithatyards expressed: “This is such a shame.
The only thing that outshined the products coming out of Czerw’s was the quality of the people working behind the counter.
Philly lost a good one today.
One of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.
A sad day in Port Richmond.”
Reflecting on how John impacted customers, @punkdataa shared, “On my first visit there, I spent over $150 on meats and pierogi.
I ended up having a half-hour conversation with John about how to cook everything I bought.
He even sneaked over 10 pounds of extra meats into my bags.
I called to thank him, and he simply said, ‘Enjoy it with your family.’
A truly special kind of guy.
Rest in peace, John, and my condolences to the family.”
As the community remembers John Czerw, his legacy as a generous and kind-hearted individual will undoubtedly live on, echoing through the stories and memories shared by those he touched throughout his life.
The loss of John Czerw is felt deeply, yet his spirit will continue to inspire kindness and community spirit in Port Richmond and beyond.
image source from：phillymag
