My name is Bill Pilkington, Pizzamania’s General Manager. In 1981, at the age of 15 and on the endorsement of my sister who had already been employed for two years, I walked into Pizzamania on a Thursday afternoon. One of the owners (Jim) hired me on the spot. Fast forward 41 years and I have now made a career in this small kitchen on Telegraph Road.

During my tenure, I have been blessed to advance from making dough balls and pizzas to leading a phenomenal and hardworking crew that swells to nearly 50 at times. I have worked with some exceptional individuals who I’m happy to say have turned into wonderful life-long friends.

After becoming General Manager in 1984, I witnessed and assisted in two major expansions of Pizzamania. We grew from a small take-out and delivery business to a large dining room, to full-scale catering, etc. As we entered into the early nineties, having trained and educated many assistant managers, we hired a young, energetic, woman looking for a job that would work around her role as mom, wife, daughter, sister, etc. It was then that we hired Deanne Valverde. For 30 years, Deanne has supervised nearly all aspects of the restaurant and fostered the same wonderful crew. She has been a mentor to many and counselor to so many others. Deanne is as responsible as anyone for the success we enjoy today.

Several years ago, after carefully discerning the gratitude I have kept in my life, I began studying to become an ordained clergy as a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. After successfully completing my studies, I was installed at our neighbor parish St. Gregory the Great (just one-half mile down the road). Two major parts of my life (my Catholic faith and Pizzamania) intersect frequently, resulting in my having the privilege of marrying former employees, baptizing babies brought into the word by the wonderful customers I’ve served my entire adult life, and in so many other ways.

It has truly been an honor to work in the South Whittier community for the last four decades, making what I believe is the best pizza around. Deanne and I look forward to continuing to serve you and the community.

In Christ,
William Pilkington