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Romolo told me to learn a trade I could fall
back on when I became a father. At
his urging, I began working in the family chocolate business. He had emigrated from Italy to the US as a
teenager and apprenticed at the New York candy companies Lofts and
Barricinis. Romolo then combined his training with Elizabeth’s chocolate
dipping experience to make candy for Erie after their marriage. Years later, I was disappointed when our
business was sold out of the family. I
had skills and knowledge, however, and started my own candy business in
1994, naming it for him.  The
photo to the right is of my wife and pastry chef Jennie, my son and
chocolatier Anthony, myself, and my son and chocolatier Roman.
We wear many hats in this family business, none as proudly as the
ones in which we cook.
--Tony Stefanelli |
Ordering "I live out of town and
have to get my 'fix' of Romolo's when I come to Erie for holidays and
vacations. I'm so glad that you will have a web site and provide
the opportunity to order from you year-round! Keep up the good
work, you make the best chocolate in the world...I've introduced you to
my friends and co-workers in Roanoke, VA." "I have enjoyed your confections
since I moved here from Cleveland in 1971. There is NOTHING to
compare to the quality, taste and texture (smooooooth) of the chocolate
you produce. I respect your family tradition of candy making carried
forward all of these years." "We have been huge
Romolo fans since we were in Erie for Labor Day 1999 and our old friends
(we're old Erie folks) introduced us to your chocolate...We were
hooked. We have ordered them for our son and daughter in
California, brought some to our daughter's wedding in Carmel Valley,
California, and pick up a few pounds each time we're in Erie. Long
live Romolo Chocolates."
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That’s
my grandfather Romolo and grandmother Elizabeth at a family picnic in
1956.