Meet Terry Pegula’s Parents: Eloise Pegula and Myron “Rip” Pegula

Terrence “Terry” Pegula is a name synonymous with success in business and sports.

As the billionaire owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, he has built an empire through determination, ingenuity, and a relentless work ethic—values deeply rooted in his humble beginnings in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. At the heart of his journey are his parents, Eloise Pegula and Myron “Rip” Pegula, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for his extraordinary achievements.

Born on March 27, 1951, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, Terry Pegula grew up in a modest, working-class household. Of American nationality with Polish ancestry through his father’s lineage, he was raised in a community where Christian values were prevalent, though his specific religious background is not widely publicized.

Terry’s father, Myron “Rip” Pegula, a Pennsylvania native, worked as a coal miner and truck driver, while his mother, Eloise Pegula, originally from Montreal, Canada, contributed to the family income through jobs in the garment industry. Though he had siblings, details about them remain private.

His early education took place in Carbondale, but his parents made significant sacrifices to send him to Scranton Preparatory School, a private Catholic high school. Determined to provide their son with better opportunities, they endured the hardship of hitchhiking 15 miles each way to ensure his education. This commitment paid off, paving the way for Terry’s higher studies at Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in petroleum and natural gas engineering.

Terry Pegula‘s upbringing was shaped by the resilience and grit of his parents, who, like many of their generation, knew the value of hard work and perseverance. Growing up in a household where every dollar mattered, he carried these lessons into his future success, building an empire that is a testament to his roots.

Eloise Pegula

Eloise Pegula, Terry’s mother, was strong and resourceful. Originally hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, she later settled in Pennsylvania with Myron.

To help support the family, Eloise took on jobs in the garment industry, a common trade in the region at the time. Her dedication to providing for her children left a lasting impression on Terry, who later recalled her sacrifices as a driving force in his own pursuits.

Among the family, keepsakes are canceled checks for $412, written by Eloise to cover Terry’s tuition at Scranton Preparatory School—a testament to her commitment to giving the son opportunities she and Myron never had.

Myron “Rip” Pegula

Myron “Rip” Pegula, Terry’s father, was a man of rugged determination. Born on May 15, 1917, in Pennsylvania, Myron came from a family with deep ties to the land. His own father, Andrew Pegula, and mother, Anna Pegula, raised a large family, and Myron grew up alongside siblings like Andrew Pegula, Anna Pegula, Martha Pegula, Malvina Pegula, and Magdaline Pegula.

Rip’s life took a decisive turn when he leaped from a second-story schoolhouse window, as family lore has it, leaving formal education behind to start working in the coal mines. This bold move reflected his practical, no-nonsense approach to life.

Over the years, Rip worked as a truck driver and in the coal mining industry—grueling jobs that provided for his family but offered little in the way of luxury.