The legacy of Frank Kacer

Frank Kacer was a man of great taste, becoming known among many for his homemade kielbossa, made and smoked with apple or cherry wood.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck, and Frank Kacer, 65, of Waymart, died at Marian Community Hospital, Carbondale. His passing affected not only his family, but the many customers and community members he saw and sold kielbossa to for years, as well. Kacer was born in Carbondale and attended St. Rose High School, Carbondale. After graduating from St. Rose, he attended Stanton’s Commercial School in Honesdale. He then started working full time with his mother and father, the late Frank II and Mae, along with his siblings, Michael and Mary.

Michael lives in Waymart with his fiancee, Dee Masters. Mary and her husband, John Andzulis, live in Pittstown, NJ, and also have a home in Waymart. Frank’s children, Karen Watson of Lansdale, Christine Notchick and Susan Davis of Honesdale, also worked in the store after school and on weekends.

He was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Meat Processors, the Lions Club of Waymart and the Knights of Columbus, Carbondale Council 329 where he was a fourth degree knight and a former grand knight. Kacer was also a member of the Waymart Bicentennial Committee and a former member of the Waymart Ambulance Corps.

“The original recipe for the kielbossa came from Frank’s grandfather, Frank Kacer I, who immigrated to America from Slovakia,” says his wife, Liddie Kacer. “He in turn taught his son, Frank Kacer II the art of kielbossa making.”

In 1953 Frank and Mae Kacer bought the Stevenson and Ramble General Store.

It became a part of Frank Gaydosh’s chain of Big Chief Markets. It began Kacer’s Big Chief Market, which customers called ‘Big Chief’ until it closed in 2003.

“Frank was proud of the many young people who began their careers working at Kacer’s Big Chief, then went on to be respected citizens of the community,” says Liddie.

In April of 2003 Kacer closed the store and began making and selling kielbossa products from his new store on Belmont Street, Waymart. Along with the original recipe, he made garlic, turkey and Ol’ Gronner kielbossa. He also made some favorites like Country Style breakfast sausage, sweet and hot Italian sausage and fresh, unsmoked kielbossa. Kacer had a trailer and began selling at the Wayne County Farmer’s Market.

“We went to Binghamton several times a year to sell at the Garlic Festival, the Ethnic Festival, and at the Church of Holy Trinity,” says Liddie. “We went to Bethel Woods for the Harvest Festival and St. John’s Christmas Bazaar in Mayfield.”

Kacer shipped kielbossa to hundreds of people via the USPS. They also shipped to members of the military.

Kacer even received a T-shirt from those serving on the USS Kearsarge.

“Frank’s favorite saying was it may not be the best, but there is none better,” she states.

An article was written about the store and published in Backroads, a magazine for motorcyclists, brought new customers to the store, including the publishers of the magazine. Betsy Andrews also wrote an essay, “A Taste of the Past,” that appeared in an issue of Saveur. The essay talked about her grandparents and parents, and the foods that we a big part of their lives. Among the many foods mention was Kacer’s Kielbossa.

“The last 2,000 pounds of kielbossa and sausage products were made by family and friends, under Frank’s supervision,” says Liddie. “He could no longer work, but he was happy just watching it being made and smoked. He loved teaching, and would often invite people to just come and learn.”
Steve Carney, who worked for Frank’s father in the Big Chief, helped make the last 200 pounds. Carney lives in Bristol with his wife Maria and their children. He is the manager of McCaffrey’s Market in Princeton, NJ.

“Steve told me what an honor it was to make the last batch of kielbossawith Frank,” says Liddie. “It was an honor for frank also. Steven was one of the ‘kids’ who went on to be successful in life.”

She says Frank was very proud of his grandchildren and that they called him Poppa or Popparatzi.

Rachael Notchick, a student at Marywood, often helped when they traveled to Binghamton. She brought her venison and wild turkey from hunting, and gave it to Frank. They then ground the meat, added spices, mixed, stuffed and smoked her kielbossa products.

Lauren Notchick helped him sell at the Kauneonga Lake Farmer’s Market and in Honesdale. She often worked with Frank when he made kielbossa.

Kyle and Matthew Davis helped sell, and under Frank’s supervision, learned how to make and vacuum pack the products.

“Frank often said that Kyle was becoming quite the salesman and could outsell his grandfather,” says Liddie. Emma Lorenzo-Watson helped him sell kielbossa at the Wayne County Farmer’s Market and St. John’s Christmas Bazaar in Mayfield.

“Frank was everything to me and I miss him terribly,” Liddie says. “He was loved and respected by many.”

“Frank was a very hard worker and always had a smile on his face,” says Jan Varcoe, a friend of his. “He was a kind person who grasped life and lived it to the fullest. He also loved helping others and giving back. My sympathy goes out to his children and Liddie.”

“He was a great guy and kind person,” says Lucielle Norella, a friend.

“Frank was a great friend of mine for over 40 years,” says Chip Norella.

“He would do anything for you and was a great family man and businessman.”

“He was willing to help out anyone in need,” says John Martzen. “Frank was there seeing things get done around the neighborhood.”

“It is with great sadness that the story Frank so loved is now closed,” says Liddie. “As in the old store, Frank spent hours telling his stories to anyone who had the time to listen. Many of the comments left in our guest book after his death tell how much they will miss him and the conversations. Kacer’s Kielbossa was a tradition at so many family tables, not just for the holidays, but year round.”