“Ken Selby, a former Tulsa junior high science teacher who would go on to found Mazzio’s, one of the country’s largest pizza chains, died Saturday of complications from lung cancer. He was 76,” according to the Tulsa World.

“Services are pending.

The original Mazzio’s, now known as Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, currently includes 165 restaurants in nine states.

As chairman of the board, Selby was still active with the Tulsa-based company, which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Greg Lippert, Mazzio’s president and chief executive officer, said Selby was an inspiring figure.

“Ken was born to Depression-era parents; he was not a man of means when he came into this world or while growing up. He achieved what he did through sheer determination and hard work. The Ken Selby story is a uniquely American story,” Lippert said.

Selby opened his first restaurant in 1961 – the Pizza Parlor at 3024 East 11th St. in Tulsa.”