Academic and Career Accomplishments
Joseph & Vincent Piccione
Picciones’ Jewelers was synonymous with elegant, tasteful jewelry and giftware, as well as friendly, reliable service. Joseph and Vincent Piccione, born and raised in Ravenna, were contributing members of the community throughout their decadeslong business. Both were members of Immaculate Conception Church, Ravenna Elks Lodge, American Legion and the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce, where Joe was also past president. In addition, Joe was a member and past president of the Ravenna School Board and member of Kiwanis Club. The brothers started work around age ten to support their family. After graduating from high school, they knew hard work and education would secure their futures. Joe worked for Ravenna jeweler, Ralph Essig, until he left to work for Cleveland Worsted Mill. He then attended Bohecker’s Business College to study accounting. After serving in the US Army, Joe was employed as a relief agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad. During this period, Vince was employed at Krein berg’s Jewelers where he worked until going into the US Navy.
Returning to Ravenna, Vince continued work at Kreinberg’s, leaving only to attend Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where he mastered watchmaking skills and became proficient at jewelry repair and engraving. In 1948, their mother, Louisa, gave Joe and Vince money she had saved in a canning jar which helped them purchase the Essig Jewelry store in the Sontum Building on West Main Street. Thus began Picciones’ Jewelers. Their early success allowed the purchase of property adjacent to their location, but their growth was stalled when a portion of the recently acquired building collapsed. Community members rallied to salvage merchandise. Their second store was completed in 1951. Once again, their growing business led the way to yet more construction and, in 1959, the Joseph and Vincent Piccione Building, their third store, was completed and still stands at Main and Meridian in downtown Ravenna. Picciones’ Jewelers hired from local and neighboring communities, and all were considered family. High school students employed at Picciones’ were gifted with new watches upon their graduation. Joe and Vince were determined to provide affordable, quality merchandise to all who walked through their doors. They knew their accomplishments were made possible by loyal and supportive customers and relished every opportunity to give back to Ravenna and the many surrounding communities.