Vonda Bucci, the matriarch of John’s Roast Pork, whom many nicknamed “The Queen of South Philly sandwiches,” has passed away, writes Craig LaBan for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

She was known by many for shepherding the popular South Philly deli alongside three generations of her family. Over the decades, the shop transformed from its humble beginnings as a neighborhood luncheonette to an iconic sandwich destination of national renown.

Bucci ran the register for more than a half-century. Her trademark could be described as a trademark seasoning of gruffness, warmth, and South Philly salt.

Her son John Bucci Jr., who took over the griddle full-time in 1987 after his father, John Sr., got sick with cancer, experienced firsthand his mother’s stew of love and scrutiny.

“My mom would always stand there when I was younger telling me I was being wasteful with the seasonings. ‘You’re seasoning the pork, not the floor!’ Or she’d tell me I was putting too much meat on the sandwiches,” Bucci Jr. said.

Bucci was introduced to her husband by an older brother.

She’d often join him at the Bucci’s family business events, catering weddings with roast beef and roast pork.

“Roast pork has meant everything to me and my family,” said John Jr.

The shop was closed for a week to mourn the late matriarch.

Read more about Vonda Bucci and her legacy in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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