Marion A. Trozzolo

Marion A. Trozzolo (1925 – June 30, 1992) was an innovator, inventor, entrepreneur, and professor of business at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the first manufacturer of teflon coated cookware in the United States, and was the developer of the Kansas City entertainment district River Quay.

During 1981 Trozzolo joined with Kansas City Star newspaper columnist Frederick Louis Richardson in developing a motion picture project based upon the mafia incursion into the River Quay. The screenplay by Richardson entitled "Battle for the River Quay" was promoted by the Rivery Quay Company, a corporation in which the writer and Trozzolo were partnered. The chairman of Paramount Pictures, Barry Diller had expressed an interest in reviewing the script, however the project stalled before being abandoned.

As early as 1958, Trozzolo discovered the charm of the old buildings surrounding the city market. Over the years he acquired over 30 buildings. By 1971, a real community of small shops was forming and on June 30, 1972 River Quay was officially born. In two years it grew to include over 80 shops and restaurants which attracted thousands of people each year. The entertainment district was similar to Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, California or Old Town, Chicago. Its initial slogan was "The New Old Town." In 1973, he said, "We have a real feeling of community. People are happy here. Even the shoppers and business people who come just for lunch are smiling and more relaxed." Perhaps that is why River Quay's slogan became "A community in downtown Kansas City, rich in leisure, arts, craftsmanship and 19th century flavor."

In 1957 he founded Laboratory Plasticware Fabricators producing plastic-coated scientific utensils, including a Teflon-coated magnetic stirring rod. He eventually experimented with coating pans and E. I. duPont deNemours & Company executives endorsed the plan. In 1961 he unveiled the "Happy Pan", a Teflon coated frying pan. Trozzolo sold the company in 1972.

Trozzolo moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1951 to pursue a career as a professor of business administration and economics at Rockhurst University.

Trozzolo was born in Castrolibero Italy, and was one of three brothers. His family immigrated to Chicago, Illinois in 1927 for a better life for their children. A veteran of World War II, Trozzolo earned a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service. After the war, he attended the University of Chicago where he received a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Master's degree in Business Administration.