Vincent Abbatecola definitely has a warm streak for a man who has spent his life dealing in blocks of ice.
But ask Vinnie to talk about himself, and you quickly discover that he would much rather talk about his family, faith, business, and/or community—or just about anything else. He is a humble man who has never been particularly interested in being in the spotlight. In fact, when he learned that he was being honored this year, his first reaction was to wonder whether he was truly deserving.
Those who know Vinnie would likely tell him not to give it another thought.
For more than 100 years, the Abbatecola family has built a business rooted in hard work, perseverance and service. Vinnie’s grandfather started the company in Whitestone, Queens in the 1920s, when blocks of ice were a necessity for keeping food cold in the days before modern refrigeration. The business gradually expanded into Long Island and New Jersey. Under his father’s leadership, the company moved to Montvale in the 1950s and, in 1976, found its home in Rockland County.
Abbey Ice has been part of the Spring Valley community ever since.
What began with blocks of ice has grown into a thriving business that has continually adapted to the needs of its customers. From its Hoffman Street location, Abbey Ice now operates 10,000 square feet of warehouse space, along with a 4,000-square-foot showroom and offices. The company provides ice and water to commercial customers, supplies ice machines to delis, supermarkets and beverage distributors, and even produces blocks of ice for sculptors and carvers.
In 1984, Abbey Ice partnered with Leisure Time Spring Water, expanding the business into bottled water and, over the years, water softeners, coffee, tea and other products. And because Vinnie understands that serving customers means anticipating their needs, Abbey Ice also supplies firewood, wood stove pellets and ice-melting products to help businesses prepare for winter.
The business has changed considerably since his grandfather’s day. What has not changed is the importance Vinnie places on showing up, staying involved, and treating people well.
That philosophy extends well beyond the walls of Abbey Ice. Vinnie has devoted countless hours to the community he calls home, serving on numerous local boards and lending his time, talent, experience and leadership to organizations working to make Rockland County a better place. He has never been one to seek the spotlight for that service. For Vinnie, being involved is simply part of being a good neighbor and a responsible member of the community.
And at the heart of Vinnie’s life is his family. He is devoted to his wife, Bernadette, and immensely proud of their sons, Vincent Jr. and Michael. The Abbatecola family story is one that has been passed from one generation to the next, and Vinnie has carried that legacy forward with the same values that have guided him throughout his life: family, hard work, loyalty and giving back.
His advice to other business owners is simple: stay focused, stay involved with your community, learn from the successes and mistakes of others, and surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are.
And perhaps most tellingly, he believes that no matter how long you have been in business—or how old you are—there is always something new to learn.
That humility may be one of Vinnie’s greatest strengths.
He has spent a lifetime building something lasting, carrying forward a family legacy while continually looking ahead. He has created jobs, served generations of customers, supported his community and, most importantly, built a life centered on the people he loves.
He has done it quietly, without seeking recognition or applause. Which is precisely why tonight’s recognition is so fitting.
The Founders Award is not simply about what a person has accomplished. It is about character, service, commitment and the difference one person makes in the lives of others.
Vinnie Abbatecola has made that difference in the way he has lived his life—with humility, generosity, hard work and an enduring belief in the value of family and community.
He may not think he is worthy of this honor. We are grateful to have the opportunity to tell him that he is.