Local contractors pave the
way for a new church exterior
by Andrew Ragouzeos
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(l-r) Father Robert Grippo, Joe Petra of JGR
Contracting, Frank Salamone of Salamone Contracting,
Joe Torrioni, Cliff Ferrandi of CJB Demolition, Rick
Corbi of JGO Contracting, Lisa Lepurge of Cava
Construction, Nick Blasone of New Century Electric,
and Charlie Blasone of CB Contracting all
contributing to the new sidewalks surrounding St.
Theresa Church and School.-PHOTO BY ANDREW RAGOUZEOS/AR |
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The sidewalks surrounding St. Theresa Church and school
are now brand new, courtesy of several local construction
companies who donated time and services at reduced price
last week, digging up the old concrete and pouring in the
new around the perimeter of St. Theresa, Mayflower and
Pilgrim avenues.
The project was spearheaded by St. Theresa Construction
Committee chairman Joe Torrioni, a parishioner for over
eight years, who, after noticing the deterioration of his
church’s sidewalks, approached area contractors and
construction groups about pooling funds and providing
services.
"The old sidewalks were bad. They were cracking and
sinking in spots. So I reached out to people to help the
church, and they responded," Torrioni explained, adding that
the way in which businesses of the same trade were able to
put competition aside for the betterment of a community
institution is a remarkable act of goodwill.
Chief among contractors assisting in pouring the over 300
yards of concrete at a more than $30,000 discount was Frank
Salamone of Salamone Contracting. Cliff Ferrandi of CJB
Demolition also pitched in, taking away the old, ripped-up
concrete at a discounted price. L&T Construction along with
Charlie Blasone from CB Contracting also lent assistance.
Parishioner Joseph Anticas, who helped the workers as part
of earning his confirmation hours, provided invaluable help
before a foot-injury forced him to the sidelines.
"We got such a great amount of support, it was a total
team effort, and just goes to show that when people come
together, good things can be accomplished," Torrioni said.
"Everyone has good in them. You just have to give them a
little push to get it out."
Giovanni Occhipiniti, owning partner of CB Contracting,
said it was a pleasure to work on such a worthwhile project.
"A lot of us got to know each other through the St. Theresa
festival," he explained. "You could say we’re all
competitors, but we all have our own certain specialties,
which is what we brought together for this project."
For those companies who couldn’t donate manpower, several
cash donations were made by JRG Corp., Balcom Construction,
New Century Electric, L&T Construction, and Cava
Construction.
Parish priest Father Robert Grippo was appreciative.
"They all did a superb job with very nice attention to
detail. The work they’ve done will not only help the church,
but enhance the quality of life for our Pelham Bay neighbors
and those people who take part in our community events such
as teen, sports and senior activities," Grippo said. "This
will help in safety and appearance. In these times when
things are tight in the economy, it’s great to see people
are still willing to give back."
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