Thelma W. Beall, Co-Founder Of Ledo Pizza, Dies At Age 101

ADELPHI, Md. — Thelma W. Beall, the co-founder of Ledo Pizza, has died at the age of 101. Ledo Pizza announced Beall’s death in a Facebook post on Jan. 7.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our former president of Ledo Pizza,” the post reads. “Thelma was instrumental in the founding of Ledo Pizza in 1955 alongside her husband, Bob. During the early years, she often worked as a server and hostess at the original Ledo Restaurant in Adelphi, Maryland.”

Since 1955, the Beall family has made an empire of 169 franchise locations spanning from Ave Maria, Florida, to New York City. Maryland locations make up the heart of the chain, with more than 50 locations in Southern Maryland alone. Ledo Pizza claims to have originated Maryland-style pizza. The thin crust and rectangular shape were developed because they worked well with rectangular baking sheets that were more common than circular pans in the 1950s, and to this day customers enjoy the thicker hand-cut pepperoni slices.

James Beall, Thelma’s grandson and Ledo Pizza’s current CEO, told The Baltimore Banner that Thelma would eat at a different Ledo restaurant once a week to ensure that her high standards of quality were still being met. She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, whom she got to meet on Christmas, Beall said.

Hundreds of Facebook users commented on Ledo Pizza’s post about Mrs. Beall’s passing. Almost all shared condolences and warm memories at Ledo restaurants or of their signature pizza.

“Thelma’s impact on Ledo Pizza can still be felt today through our dedication to hospitality and the family atmosphere in our restaurants. Since 1955, she was a constant source of support and wise counsel, helping shape the values that continue to guide us,” the post concludes. “We will miss you, Grandma.”

According to the obituary from Kalas Funeral Homes, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, Md., where Mrs. Beall was a parishioner.

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