The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce has announced the 10 businesses that will make up the Grand Marshals of the 2022 Pride in Port on Sept. 24.
Pride in Port is an annual event that includes a variety of activities throughout the day.
In addition to being acknowledged at the evening dinner dance, the Grand Marshalls will lead the parade. They are all family-owned companies that have operated in Port Washington for three generations or more.
Alf’s Roofing, 22 Second Ave.
Alf Overage, who was born in Norway in 1920, moved to Port Washington in 1947 and established Alf’s Roofing.
Helen Overage Willert and her husband became co-owners in the 1960s. Alf’s grandson, Wayne Alf Willert, purchased the company in 1975 and incorporated it in 1985.
The family-owned and run roofing firm is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Alf’s Roofing is well-known for resolving complex roof leaking problems.
Alper’s Hardware and Paint Store, 81 Main St.
Alper’s was founded in 1911 and is one of the oldest businesses in Port Washington. It began as Samuel Alper Jewelers, only a few doors down the street from the current location. The company has developed into the modern hardware store format over the years.
Alper’s used to sell Model-T parts, the first color TVs in Port Washington and sporting items. Besides the basic hardware areas, it now carries Carhartt men’s clothes as well as BBQ sauce and pizza ovens. The store is now in its fourth generation of ownership and the fifth has also worked there.
Anthony’s World of Floors, 49 Manorhaven Blvd.
The Garofalo family has owned and operated Anthony’s World of Floors since 1972. The current proprietors are second-generation Bobby and Joe Garofalo, as well as third-generation Nichole Garofalo, who oversee the day-to-day operations.
The Garofalo family and the company believe in giving back to the community that has supported them. They intend to continue providing high-quality service for many more generations to come.
Campbell’s Carpet, 356 Port Washington Blvd.
Skip and Kathy Campbell founded Campbell’s Carpet & Service in 1965. They managed their firm from their house for the first 20 years. During the day, Skip installed and measured while Kathy handled the phones, accounting and ordering. Skip would return home in the evenings for dinner and evening appointments with clients in their home showroom.
Their daughter Kim started working for them in 1985 and the company soon moved out of their home and into a larger showroom. The dealership moved to its new address of 356 Port Washington Blvd. in 2021. Their foray into carpet and upholstery cleaning 40 years ago arose from a client’s request to help maintain the carpets they were selling and installing.
The warehousing and cleaning division is at 10 Secatoag Ave. Evan, who leads it, represents the third generation of Campbells working in the business.
Joseph N. Canigiani Real Estate, 113 Main St.
Joseph N. Canigiani Real Estate, at 113 Main St., was founded by the late Joseph Canigiani. His son Joseph Canigiani joined him as the business transitioned to real estate management and then brought in his grandson James Canigiani and James’ wife Karina.
For three generations, the Canigiani family has been proud to serve their community by offering rental housing to Port Washington residents and retail and commercial properties to fellow Port Washington company owners.
Chester’s Towing, 4 Beechwood Ave.
Chester’s Highway Garage has stood on Port Washington Blvd. for almost a century. The Chester brothers, John and Frank, founded the company in 1926. James took over his brothers’ company in 1932.
Chester’s has stayed in the same general location since its start, becoming a community landmark. After high school, Robert Chester (Bobby) joined his father in the family company. It all started with a 1916 Packard Twin-Six with the back removed so they could install the hand crane in it. It was their very first tow vehicle.
Chester’s has always had a large presence in the town’s many unfortunate accidents. Their expertise in car towing and heavy duty recovery, transport and many road concerns distinguish them.
Chester’s has not only served Port Washington but the entire tri-state area. Chester’s now has 10 trucks and six staff. Bob Chester’s son-in-law Rob Hehn, the husband of Bob’s daughter Tara Chester and son Robert Nicholas, oversees the routine operations on any day. Their children, Robert Nicholas and Leah, are the fourth generation to own a share in the company.
S.F. Falconer Florist, 8 South Maryland Ave.
For almost a century, S.F. Falconer Florist has been a fixture in Port Washington. Simon Frederick Falconer, the firm’s founder, was a Scotsman who immigrated to America in 1905. He lived in a small house on South Maryland Ave., which is now part of the business that was built on that site. After his death in 1960, his son Frederick, who operated the firm with his wife Dorothy, took over.
Fred Sr. retired in 1980 and his son, Fred Jr., took over and is now the owner. He is a plant scape designer with a vast knowledge of plants and flowers. He is also a 48-year member of the Port Washington Fire Department, treasurer of the Port Washington Benevolent Exempts Association and American Legion Vice-Commander.
An avid volunteer, Fred Jr. was named the Community Chest of Port Washington’s 2019 Citizen of the Year.
Dr. Sanford Katims, OD and Dr. Rachel Katims, OD, 76 Main St.
In October 1938, the late Dr. Herman Katims started his office at 76 Main St. He was joined by his son, Dr. Sanford Katims in 1982. They expanded the office to a third storefront in 1992.
Dr. Rachel Katims, Dr. Sandy’s daughter, joined the clinic in 2019. They specialize in the treatment of eye problems such as glaucoma, as well as the fitting of contact lenses and have a large assortment of eyeglasses.
Maura Brothers & Company, 137 Haven Ave.
In 1939, brothers Mario and John Maura joined their father Michelangelo’s landscape gardening and maintenance business. The two brothers worked together until 1940 when John enlisted in the military. The company expanded and soon included a high-quality nursery and garden supply outlet. Following John’s discharge in 1945, the Maura brothers were reunited.
During the holiday season, the Maura Garden Center was well-known for its stunning selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and roping. Maura Bros. currently provides masonry, asphalt services, retaining walls, drainage systems, excavation and site work and commercial snow removal in addition to landscaping and maintenance.
Maura Bros. moved to Port Washington in 1967, led by John Sr., who remained at the helm until his retirement in 1976, when his two sons, John Jr. and Ronald, took over the business.
Today, Maura Bros. is in its fourth generation. Brothers John and Rob adhere to the same principles that their great-grandfather instilled in the business when it was founded.
Shields Plumbing & Hardware, 267 Main St.
The Shields Family has been and continues to be available to help for over 105 years. When John Francis Shields returned from World War I, he established “Shields Bros.,” a plumbing, heating, roofing and hardware firm serving the North Shore villages.
John and Helen lived on Beacon Hill’s Summit Road. They raised their only son, John Edmond Shields, known as “Jack,” to understand and grow the family businesses. From 1952 to 1954, Jack worked as a counterintelligence officer during the Korean War. Following his overseas service and the death of his father, Jack took over.
Jack and his wife, Ann, began introducing their children, JP, Patti, Rob and Kevin, to the family’s business. In 1990, a fire destroyed Shields’ brick-and-mortar establishment. Across the street, the business quickly reopened.
Jack died in 2006, passing the company to the third generation. Ann worked the front counter every weekend until COVID forced her to retire. Shields Plumbing and Hardware is still going strong today. Patti and Kevin are now in charge of the family companies that have been passed down through generations.
