To mark the 80^th anniversary of southwest Brooklyn’s most recognizable ice cream purveyor, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) recently presented Maria “the Ice Cream Girl” Campanella with an Assembly citation recognizing her and her father, “Chubby the Ice Cream Man,” who started the iconic family business in 1944.

“This ice cream truck has brought happiness to hundreds of thousands of children over the years,” said Assemblyman Colton, who praised Maria and her father for their ongoing generosity to the neighborhood. “Thanks to the commitment of Chubby and Maria, this neighborhood family business has donated so much ice cream at community gatherings and events, bringing love and togetherness to all.”

“Chubby” Angelo Campanella began by selling ice cream out of a hand cart and a bike, before buying his first truck, according to his daughter, who joined the business in 1987 when she was 23. He always followed the same route, which encompassed portions of Gravesend and Bensonhurst in the vicinity of Kings Highway and McDonald Avenue, and Maria has continued in her father’s footsteps, working with him for over 20 years then, after his retirement, running the business herself from the distinctive blue and white truck emblazoned with a large photo of Chubby, who died about 15 years ago.

“This is the quintessential story of the American Dream,” said Assemblyman Colton. “Chubby the Ice Cream Man built his business through tenacity and hard work, supporting his family and his neighborhood at the same time, and eventually passed his beloved business on to his daughter, Maria, who has continued the tradition he established.”

“My father was a wonderful man,” said Maria, who said she still feels a deep connection to him as she drives the route he established decades ago, where he knew everyone and everyone knew him. “It’s my father’s legacy, and I can’t give it up. It’s what my heart is telling me to do.”