Senate Resolution No. 836
BY: Senator TEDISCO
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Civitello's
Italian Pastry Shoppe of Schenectady, New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals and businesses that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commend those who work to better their local community and to keep
local traditions alive; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe
of Schenectady, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Civitello arrived in America from Alvignano, Italy in
1911, at the age of 16; after working at GE in Schenectady, he decided
to open an establishment dedicated to his Italian roots, and in
September of 1921, Civitello's was born at its current location, 42
North Jay Street, the former site of the Vittoria Cafe, another Italian
pastry shoppe; and
WHEREAS, In May of 1922, Ralph Civitello and the former Rose
Mastrianni were united in marriage and together they began to create
many of the culinary traditions which have been carried throughout the
years; during the difficult years of the Depression, Ralph was forced to
get a full-time job at the city water department to supplement his
income; however, with the support of Rose, the store remained open
during this difficult time; and
WHEREAS, During the 1920s and 1930s, the Civitello's had four
daughters, all of whom spent tireless hours helping their parents in the
store, while making their home upstairs in the apartment above the
pastry shoppe; and
WHEREAS, During the mid-1940s, the store changed its name for a
short period of time to Modern Sweet Shop, before officially becoming
Civitello's Pastry Shoppe in the late 1940s; this beloved store
continued to prosper throughout the next few decades, mainly through
word of mouth as they continued to rely on homemade family recipes; and
WHEREAS, Rose Civitello died in 1967, followed by Ralph Civitello in
1974, leaving the store and the family secrets to their second daughter,
Katie; and
WHEREAS, Katie continued on the traditions of her parents, working
long laborious hours in the pastry shoppe, while serving as a surrogate
matriarch for Ralph and Rose's grandchildren, all of whom pitched in
whenever they were able, especially during the busy holiday seasons; and
WHEREAS, Beatrice began her reign as head volunteer in the 1970s,
and after her high school graduation in 1978, Angela became a full-time
apprentice to Katie, working side by side with her for many years; Roie
came into the business full-time in the late 1990s; and
WHEREAS, When Katie passed away in 1999, she left an irreplaceable
hole in the family, however her legacy lives on today; her indomitable
spirit, strong work ethic, and family traditions have been instilled in
the Angerami sisters who have become the third generation to carry on
the family traditions passed on from Ralph, while adding their own touch
and expanding the culinary delights now served at the store; and
WHEREAS, For 100 years, Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe has
offered its loyal Schenectady area customers the finest quality foods
and products, and the highest standards of service while remaining a
gathering place for young and old alike and retaining the same old-time
charm which has so characterized its past; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe
of Schenectady, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe of Schenectady, New
York.
