In 1904 an ambitious Italian boy came to the United States seeking new opportunities and a better life.  That young boy was named Joseph Peco.  While Joseph was young he worked in many different shops and learned the retail industry extraordinarily well.  It became Joseph's’ dream to own his own store. 

In the year 1930 Joseph traveled to his home town in Italy to attend a childhood friend's wedding.  At the wedding Joseph met a young women named Frances.  Joseph and Frances fell in love and were married.  The newlywed couple returned to the United States shortly after the wedding.  It was then that Joseph's’ dream of owning his own store became a reality. Peco’s Liquors was founded on June 26th 1936 by Joseph and Frances.  Peco’s started as a small market and delicatessen which sold groceries as well as wine, spirits, cigars, and beer. In 1942 Joseph made the decision to make Peco’s exclusively a liquor store.  Joseph sought out the finest wines, spirits and beers to stock his store.    Joseph and Frances prided themselves on providing the very best to their customers, this tradition still holds true today. 

Joseph Peco passed away suddenly in 1954 leaving his wife Frances and his two daughters,  to watch over the family business.  Joseph’s daughter Rita married Frank Gazzillo.  Frank was a bricklayer by trade but eventually left his job to become the manager of Peco’s Liquors.  Frank carried on his father-in-law's tradition of excellence and was the perfect man to fill Joseph’s shoes as manager. In 1985 Frances Peco passed away due to heart complications. 

The weight of the family business now rested solely on Rita and Frank.  They rose to the challenge and saw the store through many difficult times.  In June of 1986 the store was badly damaged in a fire.  Contractors estimated that it would be 6 months before the store would be able to re open, but Frank’s determination and leadership saw that the store was opened and ready to meet the labor day rush just 3 months later. 

Under the ownership of Frank and Rita Gazzillo, Peco’s Liquors grew to new heights.  Frank added more fine wines and spirits to the store’s inventory all while earning a loyal customer base.  In Frank’s eyes his loyal customers were always the most important part of Peco’s.  The store underwent many renovations so that it would be better able to serve its customers.  Some of these renovations include the addition of floor space, a wine cellar and a walk in humidor room.  In late 2007 into early 2008 Peco's underwent a much needed face lift.  This included the addition of floor space, the installation of new floors, as well as improvments to the humidor room and wine celler.

In 1993 Rita and Frank’s daughter Francine Mulvihill joined the company as the director of operations.  Francine has been assisting in the daily operations of Peco’s Liquors as well as helping to modernize the store ever since.

Now more than 70 years after its founding Peco's Liquors still stands at its original home at the corner of Philadelphia pike and Marion avenue in north Wilmington.   Rita Gazzillo is still the owner and CEO and her husband Frank Gazzillo is still the store’s manager.  Although some of the faces haven't changed we are constantly improving our inventory and facilities to better serve you our customers.  For over seventy years Peco’s has been a family affair and our family has always been dedicated to our loyal customers.  Please let our family serve you the very best.

  522 Philadelphia Pike Wilmington Delaware  19809.  (302-764-0377)

Frank Gazzillo showing off his new fine wines

1963

Staff photo, including Frank Gazzillo, his son David Gazzillo and son in law, Chris Mulvihill.

1997

A proud Joe and Frances Peco standing in their store

1936

Proud owners Rita and Frank Gazzillo in a newly renovated Peco's Liquor's 

2008

A dedicated staff on Peco's Liquors 72nd anniversry, including 4th generation Peco Ed Mulvihill

2008