July 30 marked National Cheesecake Day. And while many people across the country celebrated by indulging in a slice, a New Jersey bakery used the day to pay tribute to its patriarch.

“Our cheesecake is a very old family recipe,” says Maddalena's Cheesecake and Catering CEO Janet Maddalena.

The bakery was started by Janet’s late husband Gene Maddalena.

“When they take one of his cheesecakes, they take a little piece of Gene with them,” she says. “We were married for 29 years when he passed away and in business together for 27.”

The couple built the business together and include their children.

“He taught us more than just making a good product,” Janet says.

Son Gene Maddalena Jr. says that his father made him the person he is today.

“He was a tough guy, tough to please,” he says. “But I think it’s what kind of built…the person I am now.”

Gene Maddalena died in 2009. But his family says that his impact remains strong.

“I’ve had people that have come in for 15 minutes and he would somehow strike up a conversation with them and 10 years later they’ll come by and tell me about that interaction that they had,” Janet says.

Maddalena's Cheesecake and Catering is based in Ringoes. It has operated in New Jersey for nearly 40 years.