LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe upon
the occasion of its designation as a recipient of the 2013 Susan Rosen-
thal Woman in Business Award by the YWCA of Schenectady

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe upon the occasion of its designation
as a recipient of the 2013 Susan Rosenthal Woman in Business Award by
the YWCA of Schenectady; and
WHEREAS, Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe received this most presti-
gious honor at the 30th Annual Women of Achievement Celebration on
Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Ralph Civitello arrived in America from Alvignano, Italy in
1911 at the age of 16; after working at General Electric in Schenectady,
he decided to open an establishment dedicated to his Italian roots; in
September of 1921, Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe was born at its
current location, 42 North Jay Street, the former site of the Vittoria
Cafe; and
WHEREAS, In May of 1922, Ralph Civitello married Rose Mastrianni 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 with 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 Civitellos gave birth to four
daughters, who all spent tireless hours helping their parents in the
store, while making their home upstairs in the apartment above; 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; and
WHEREAS, Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe continued to prosper, main-
ly through word of mouth throughout the next few decades, and continued
to rely on the homemade family recipes; in 1967, Rose Civitello died,
and Ralph followed her in 1974, leaving the store to his second daugh-
ter, Katie; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Katie continued on the traditions of her parents, and
worked long, laborious hours in the shop, while serving as a surrogate
matriarch for all of Ralph and Rose Civitello's grandchildren; all the
grandchildren helped and participated whenever possible, especially
during the busy Christmas holidays; and
WHEREAS, Beatrice Angerami began her reign as head volunteer in the
1970s, and later on Angela Angerami became a full-time apprentice to
Aunt Katie after graduating from high school; Roie Angerami came into
the business full-time in the late 1990s; and
WHEREAS, Aunt Katie passed away in 1999 and left an irreplaceable hole
in the family, however her legacy lives on today; her indomitable spir-
it, 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, Just like it is today, Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe has
always been a gathering place for young and old alike; much of its old
charm has been kept over the years, such as the green and white awning,

the green booths, black tables, the Viceroy ad behind the counter, and
the black and white facade of the lemon ice counter; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe upon the occasion of its
designation as a recipient of the 2013 Susan Rosenthal Woman in Business
Award by the YWCA of Schenectady; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Civitello's Italian Pastry Shoppe.