By Kalo Amundson

Luigino (Jeno) F. Paulucci was born in Northeastern Minnesota in 1918, only a few years after his parents, Ettore and Michelina, had moved to America from Bellisio Solfare, a small mining town in northeastern Italy. His father worked the iron mines and his mother cooked and catered for families in the area, eventually opening a little grocery store in the front room of their home to help the family survive the hardship of The Great Depression.

Jeno began his incomparable career as a fruit stand barker in the 1940s, paving the way for him to begin his improbable Chinese foods company Chun King. He would go on to create Wilderness pie fillings, Jeno's Pizza, and the city of Heathrow, Florida.

Over the years Jeno has created more than 50 enterprises worldwide, the capstone of which, Michelina's Inc., is named to honor his mother and her authentic recipes. Michelina's Inc. has grown to become one of the world's leading producers of frozen entrees and snacks, with dedication to quality and value to its consumers.

Jeno and Lois Mae Trepanier Paulucci, married February 8, 1947, whom he praises for her guidance, understanding and inspiration, have raised a family of three children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.