HORSHAM, PA — Charles E. Entenmann, who catapulted his family’s baked goods company to becoming one of the most recognizable brands in supermarkets across the country, died of heart complications on Feb. 24 at age 92.
Entenmann was a Korean War veteran, an advocate for the Great South Bay YMCA, and funded research to improve water quality and habitats in the bay near his hometown, according to his obituary.
“He was an extremely generous man,” his son, Charles Entenmann, told Newsday. “He was intelligent and had a fantastic sense of humor.”
Entenmann’s history dates back more than 120 years to 1898 when Charles’ grandfather William Entenmann, an immigrant from Germany, opened his first bakery in Brooklyn, NY. By the ‘60s the company was selling donuts throughout the New York metropolitan area, and then nationwide just a decade later. Today, Entenmann’s markets more than 100 different baked goods in the US.
The company produces more than one billion donuts annually — among other products including cakes, cookies and brownies — for grocers and c-stores across America.
Bimbo Bakeries USA, a branch of the Mexican international bakery producer Grupo Bimbo, purchased the company in 2002.
“Bimbo Bakeries USA sends its condolences to the Entenmann family on the passing of Charles Entenmann,” the brand’s parent company confirmed in a statement to CNN. “Charles was instrumental in turning the Entenmann’s brand into a household name and we will continue to build on the mission and legacy his family established more than 120 years ago.”