At the ceremony where Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo proudly recognized Pastosa Ravioli of West Brighton and inducted the business into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, for more than five decades of service to the community of Staten Island., are from the left, Michael D’Antuono, Vincent D’Antuono Jr, Elizabeth D’Antuono, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, Lily Zafaranloo from Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis’s office, Vincent D’Antuono Sr., Loretta Cauldwell of Community Board 1, and Paul Matrecano of Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton’s office. (Courtesy/Angela Olsen)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Pastosa Ravioli of West Brighton has been inducted into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.
The Italian specialty shop was recognized because of its contributions and service to the community for more than five decades.
The registry is maintained and awarded by the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and highlights businesses that have made a lasting contribution to their local communities.
From the left Vincent D’Antuono Jr., Elizabeth D’Antuono, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo holding a Proclamation, Vincent D’Antuono Sr. and Loretta Cauldwell. (Courtesy/Angela Olsen)Staten Island Advance
Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo presented Vincent J. D’Antuono, owner of Pastosa Ravioli, with a New York State Assembly Proclamation. The proclamation acknowledges D’Antuono’s lifetime of service, leadership and commitment to Staten Island.
The heartwarming ceremony took place inside the store on Forest Avenue, where family, friends and longtime customers gathered to celebrate a business that has become a neighborhood landmark.
The event was also attended by representatives in the office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Richmond Country District Attorney Michael E. McMahon and Community Board 1.
“Pastosa has been part of Staten Island’s story for over 50 years, and that’s because of the hard work and heart of Vincent, his family, and their incredible team,” said Pirozzolo. “Pastosa is more than a great local business or even a historic business. It represents a symbol of tradition, community, and resilience. The traditions that families adopt because of small businesses like Pastosa, are a huge reason why Staten Island is the biggest and greatest small town in America. It is my deep honor to recognize Pastosa and the D’Antuono family today.”
From the left, Vincent D’Antuono Jr., Vincent D’Antuono Sr. and Richmond County District Attorney, Michael E. McMahon. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)Staten Island Advance
District Attorney McMahon congratulated D’Antuono, his family, and staffers on their recognition by the New York State Assembly for their business skills and dedication to the Staten Island community.
A LITTLE ABOUT D’ANTUONO
D’Antuono was born in Brooklyn in 1940 to Italian immigrant parents. He served six years in the United States Army, including two years of active duty with the 18th Airborne Corps and the 440th Army Band.
A professional tenor saxophonist, he toured nationally and composed original music before turning his focus to the family business.
In 1968, D’Antuono expanded his father-in-law’s Brooklyn pasta shop to Staten Island, opening Pastosa Ravioli in West Brighton.
He and wife Elizabeth relocated to Staten Island in 1973 and raised their family in Sunset Hill neighborhood of West Brighton.
Beyond the storefront, D’Anthono has been a force for good in the community.
He served as the first president of the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District, helped found Casa Belvedere, sat on the board of Meals on Wheels, and supported efforts to provide wheelchairs for children in need around the world.
His work has earned him honors from the City of New York, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the DaVinci Society, and a number of other organizations.
The D’Antuonos have two sons, Michael and Vincent Jr., and are grandparents to Michael.
In 2017, D’Antuono took home first place in the Senior Golf Awards at LaTourette Golf Club for players over age 75.
To learn more about the Historic Business Preservation Registry, visit https://parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry/default.aspx.
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