Terrence “Terry” Pegula is one of America’s most successful self-made businessmen and influential sports franchise owners. Best known as the owner of the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Pegula has a compelling personal and family story that ranges from his ethnic roots to his life in the public eye.
Terry Pegula’s Ethnicity & Early Roots
Terry Pegula was born on March 27, 1951, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, USA. He grew up in a working-class household — his father worked as a truck driver and in coal mining, while his mother came from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
While Pegula proudly identifies as American, he also has Polish-American heritage, particularly through his paternal lineage, which has shaped his identity and roots in communities like Western New York known for a strong Polish-American presence.
He studied petroleum and natural gas engineering at Pennsylvania State University, setting the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey — founding East Resources, a natural gas company that would make him a billionaire.
In the Spotlight: Press Conferences & Public Persona
As a major NFL and NHL owner, Terry Pegula often appears in press conferences regarding team performance, strategic direction, and community engagement. Although he maintains a private personal life, his public presence became more prominent during events involving his family — especially surrounding his daughter Jessica Pegula, the professional tennis star.
At a notable press conference during the 2024 US Open, Jessica addressed misconceptions about her lifestyle as a billionaire’s daughter — emphasizing she lives a grounded life despite public assumptions. Her candid remarks highlighted how the Pegula family navigates public and media scrutiny.
Family Life: Kids & Legacy
Terry Pegula has five children, each contributing in their own way to the Pegula family legacy:
1. Michael Pegula
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From Terry’s first marriage to Anne Shirley.
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Keeps a low public profile and lives outside the limelight.
2. Laura Pegula
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Also from his first marriage.
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A former collegiate tennis player who now plays an expanded role in the family’s business, including involvement in the Bills ownership structure.
3. Jessica Pegula
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The most publicly recognized child, Jessica is a top professional tennis player on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.
4. Kelly Pegula
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Another child with his second wife, Kelly played a heroic role within the family by performing CPR and saving her mother’s life during a 2022 cardiac emergency.
5. Matthew Pegula
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The youngest Pegula child, who remains more private but supportive of family endeavors.
Spotlight on Daughter: Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula’s rise in tennis adds a powerful chapter to the Pegula story. Born into a family of entrepreneurs and sports owners, she carved her own legacy in professional sports. Despite her elite background, Jessica often emphasizes her work ethic and independent life in press settings, pushing back on assumptions that wealth defines her success.
She has reached the upper echelons of tennis rankings and continues to represent the United States on the global stage, often referencing her family and heritage in interviews and media engagements.
First Wife: Anne Shirley
Terry Pegula’s first marriage was to Anne Shirley, with whom he had two children: Michael and Laura Pegula. Not much public information is available about the marriage, as Pegula maintains a private stance on this part of his life. However, this early chapter set the foundation for his later family growth with his second wife.
Conclusion
Terry Pegula’s life story is more than business success — it’s about heritage, family, and public engagement. From his Polish-American roots to his children’s achievements, especially star athlete Jessica Pegula, his legacy intertwines entrepreneurship with sports excellence. Whether speaking at press conferences or supporting his kids’ pursuits, Pegula remains a fascinating figure both on and off the field.
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