Who could forget Patty DeFelice or her father? When life brought you a fender bender, they were often the destination for a fix-up.
Then, when Patty added her patio furniture restoration business to the site on West Putnam Ave, she became an invaluable resource for the tired chaise that needed re-slinging, or the rusty love garden wrought iron love seat needing new paint.
For years Patty was the daughter in DeFelice & Daughter, operating in the midst of the male dominated row of car dealerships.
Though she had had her eyes set on becoming a teacher, having earned a BA in Psychology and an MAT in Education from Manhattanville College, in 1976, she stepped in to assist at her father’s Post Road body shop, which opened back in 1932.
Working with Patty are Victor Molina, a specialist in restoring weaving in Brown Jordan pieces, and Alex Yupait, who coordinates the powder application and baking process.
Working with Patty are Victor Molina, a specialist in restoring weaving in Brown Jordan pieces, and Alex Yupait, who coordinates the powder application and baking process. Contributed photo
What was to have been a short-term gig to help out in the family business turned into 33 years as a successful business owner, entrepreneur and role model for women in careers traditionally limited to men.
Patty sold the DeFelice operation a few years ago, leasing space on West Putnam Ave to Mercedes, which brought the family business to a close after 75 years.
It also meant that Greenwich residents who liked to bring Patty their patio furniture for refurbishment were out of luck. After three years working for someone else, Patty missed doing her own thing, serving customers and being part of the local business community.
The good news is that a few months ago, Patty opened a new metal furniture restoration and sales business just over the line in Port Chester, at 140 Highland Street.
The restoration process for wrought iron furniture begins with sandblasting, followed by an application of a babypowder-like polyester material with pigments of the rainbow. Each item is baked at 400° in her walk-in oven or kiln. Items come out cured with a long life expectancy.
Working with Patty are Victor Molina, a specialist in restoring weaving in Brown Jordan pieces, and Alex Yupait, who coordinates the powder application and baking process.
Patty’s Portico specializes in sandblasting and powder coating wrought iron, cast iron, and aluminum including name brands like Brown Jordan, Tropitone, Molla, Woodard and Salterini. They also restrap, re-sling, weld and replace glides and glass tops, and can restore cast iron radiators, heat registers, candelabras, marine and automotive parts.
Patty’s Portico is located at 140 Highland Street in Port Chester.
Tel 914-935-8839 or 914-937-1907
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