Tony Cerimele brought home the gold to his hometown of Nesquehoning last month.

But this gold wasn’t the typical medal. It was in the form of a top culinary creation, oozing with generations of love, something that has been kneaded into his soul by his family and baked to perfection throughout his life.

On Wednesday, Nesquehoning Borough Council recognized Cerimele’s accomplishments and awards at this year’s Pizza Expo in Las Vegas in March. Cerimele, who owns the New Columbus Pizza Co. was named Pizza Maker of the Year at the International Pizza Challenge Finals, as well as best pan pizza.

Council adopted a resolution, as well as named April 25, as Tony Cerimele Day in the borough.

The Cerimele pizza business has been a staple in the Nesquehoning community since the 1950s, when Tony’s grandparents, Michael and Mayme Cerimele began to hone their skills in the pizza world in the basement of their New Columbus home.

Over the next several decades, the family perfected a pie that became a main meal in many residents’ homes.

The business passed to Tony’s uncle, Michael “Schmick” Cerimele and parents Fred and Marguerite Cerimele before becoming his.

“Tony has taken pride in being the caretaker of their family recipes, including a 60-year-old sauce recipe,” council President David Hawk said.

Tony took over the business in 2013, completely remodeling the basement of the home business and building on his family’s legacy by creating signature pizzas, as well as family favorites.

Council expressed their gratitude for Cerimele’s efforts in keeping the family tradition alive and bringing notoriety to the Nesquehoning community through his passion for the culinary arts.

Mayor Tom Kattner told Cerimele that he should be proud of his history and what he has brought to the community.

Cerimele, wiping away a tear, thanked the board for this recognition.

“Thank you,” he said. “They call it Hollywood for a reason. I really don’t have any words. I’m still in shock from a few weeks ago.”

He added that he plans to continue making pizzas in the Nesquehoning community for years to come.

Cerimele has had success in the pizza world in the last few years.

He helped set a world record for the world’s largest pizza party last January with being one of 3,357 participants gathering to help the World Pizza Champions earn the record in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Last October, Cerimele also took home third place in the America’s Best Cheese Slice competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

He also is a certified Pizzaiolo from The International School of Pizza in San Francisco by friend and mentor Tony Gemignani.

For more information on New Columbus Pizza Company, visit the company’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/NewColumbusPizza or website https://newcolumbuspizzaco.com.