Published June 10. 2026 03:15PM
The community recently celebrated Tamaqua businessman Pete Smulligan with a surprise party.
Smulligan retired and closed his family’s business, Smulligan Glass, which operated for the past 76 years.
The surprise party, organized by Jennifer Miller, Ronny Zeigler and others, was held outside the 330 Center St. shop.
Area businesses donated food and other items, which were enjoyed by the many in attendance.
Smulligan decided last year that he would retire sometime in the spring. When he was diagnosed with cancer in November, he knew he wanted to stay with the plan.
Smulligan’s grandfather, the late Peter Smulligan, with whom he shares a name, started the business in 1950. Many Smulligan family members operated the shop through the years.
The surprise celebration brought family, friends and community members for a day of food, fun and more.
A surprise party was held to celebrate Pete Smulligan, shown in middle of back row wearing black. Smulligan retired and closed Smulligan Glass last week. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Above: Pete Smulligan, who recently retired and closed Smulligan Glass in Tamaqua, second from left, was surprised by a party organized by Jennifer Miller, left, and others. Also with him are Ronny Zeigler and his sisters Sheryl Weinreich and Lindsay Prosymchak.
Memorabilia from Smulligan Glass is shown at a surprise party for Pete Smulligan.
Right: A special cake was made for Pete Smulligan for a surprise party attended by friends, family and community members.