Rocky’s celebrates 85 years in business

Date: 11/4/2011

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware, a family-owned business with 33 neighborhood based stores, is celebrating 85 years in business.

Rocky’s was founded in 1926, by Rocco (Rocky) Falcone Sr., located at the corner of Main and Union streets. Falcone started the tradition of offering his customers the products they needed, together with exceptional, personal service. The tradition remains in effect today at all Rocky’s stores from Florida to New Hampshire.

In 1966, Falcone was succeeded by his son, James. During the 1970s and 1980s, the younger Falcone developed the single store operation into a successful regional seven-store chain.

James Falcone also led his family based business into a national affiliation with Ace Hardware, thereby offering Rocky’s the buying power of a national chain along with computerized accounting and inventory procedures, while still maintaining its neighborhood community identity.

Today James Falcone holds the position of chairman, with Rocco Falcone II, the third generation of the founding family, taking care of the business, serving as president and CEO. Under Rocco Falcone II’s leadership, the chain has grown to a regional powerhouse with 33 stores concentrated in the Northeast and Florida.

“We have not only expanded our reach but also our merchandise offerings,” Rocco Falcone II said. “Now our customers can choose from a wide assortment of quality paint, lawn and garden care items, professional power tools along with a newly expanded pet care department and still receive the quality service they have been accustomed to.

“My grandfather’s conviction to work hard and strive for quality and service, still holds true today,” he continued. “Our greatest asset is our employees; we have an experienced team that I am extremely proud of. I truly appreciate their loyalty and dedication.

“I would also like to thank our loyal customers for their support over these many years. Rocky’s would not be the success we are today without them,” Falcone added.

Another key member of the Falcone family who has worked beside her father at the original location and serves today as vice-president is Rocco Falcone’s daughter, Claire. Throughout Claire Falcone’s dedicated tenure the importance of offering the customer excellent service and a quality selection of goods has always been a prime belief.

“The recent additions of trusted brand names like Craftsman, Benjamin Moore and Nutro pet food compliments our full line of traditional hardware items,” Claire Falcone said. “Our garden centers offer customers a healthy selection of seasonal plants and flowers along with fertilizer, mulch and everything else a home owner or contractor could need for their lawn and garden projects.”