Family businesses honored for 70-plus years in operation
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Nicole Cellone, right, listens as Bridgeville Mayor Betty Copeland reads the certificate of recognition for Cellone’s Italian Bread Co., which two brothers started in 1911 in Bridgeville. Also pictured is Mandi Pryor, South West Communities Chamber of Commerce executive director.
Bridgeville Mayor Betty Copeland reads the certificate honoring Bridgeville Appliance, represented by Ed Pelino, whose family has operated the business since 1947. Also pictured is Mandi Pryor, South West Communities Chamber of Commerce executive director.
Attending the celebration are, from left, Christine Jamison, Janine Calabro and Dianne Whetsell. Calabro Tire and Auto Service in Upper St. Clair has been in business since 1941.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Among the honorees is Gallina and Sons Insurance, represented by Bill Gallina.
From left are Erin Weaver, assitant director of Bridgeville Public and South Fayette Township libraries; Ben Hornfeck, director of Bridgeville Public and South Fayette Township libraries; Leslie Riker, fundraising and development coordinator for South Fayette Township Library; Bill Caye, assistant secretary of the South Fayette Township Library Board of Directors.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Those in attendance celebrate at Bridgeville Public Library.
Editor’s note: This is a weekly series focusing on the importance of buying local.
Talk about staying power.
An extensive undertaking by Bridgeville Area Historical Society revealed 14 family-owned businesses founded before 1950 all have a certain distinction.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Mary Weise speaks about the Bridgeville Area Historical Society, for which she serves as president.
“By 2020, they are still there,” said Mary Weise, society president. “I think it’s the greatest thing for little Bridgeville Borough to brag about it.”
To acknowledge the business’ durability, the chamber teamed up with South West Communities Chamber of Commerce to present special certificates of achievement during a Feb. 27 event at Bridgeville Public Library.
“The businesses’ long-standing presence illustrates that no matter what the economic situations, no matter the developing landscape and no matter the changes that have occurred, our businesses can find the key to longevity through family and determination,” chamber executive director Mandi Pryor said. “And we are thrilled to honor that.”
Along with Bridgeville businesses, others that were recognized are in the neighboring townships of Collier, South Fayette and Upper St. Clair. Also, American Legion Post 54 in Bridgeville has been active since 1919.
The borough’s mayor, Betty Copeland, and Gwen Rodi, president of South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners, presented certificates to representatives of the businesses in what actually turned out to be a surprise for them. The event was scheduled as a chamber social mixer, and everyone in the know kept mum prior to the occasion.
Honored businesses:
- Anderson Equipment, in business since 1910
- Bridgeville Appliance, 1947
- Calabro Tire and Auto Service, 1941
- Cellone’s Italian Bread Co., 1911
- Collavo Plumbing, 1920
- Colussy Chevrolet, 1918
- Evangelista Hair Care Center, 1947
- Gallina and Sons Insurance, 1948
- Ghelarducci’s Auto Service, 1939
- Kosky Contracting, 1945
- Melrose Cemetery, 1885
- Portman Farm, 1932
- Sarasnick’s Hardware, 1938
- Steel-Bilt Construction (Industrial Composites Inc.), 1946
As he was accepting his company’s award, Bill Gallina spoke about what at first was the Henry G. Gallina Insurance Agency, at 623 Washington Ave. in Bridgeville.
“My father started the agency in 1948, and his very first customer, policy holder, is still with the agency: 96 years old and has never had a claim,” Gallina said.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Gwen Rodi, president of the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners, congratulates Tim Colussy, far left, on Colussy Chevrolet’s 102 years as a family business. Also pictured are, from left, Bridgeville Mayor Betty Copeland, South West Communities Chamber of Commerce executive director Mandi Pryor and Megan Colussy.
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