Lariccias donate $60,000 to keep program running

By William k. Alcorn

‘These seniors are great role models for the generations that followed them,’ said Anthony Lariccia.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Adult Day Services Program, a home-away-from-home for some 40 area senior citizens, was saved for another year by a gift from Anthony and Mary Lariccia.

Joined by their daughters, Natalie and Dana, the Lariccias presented a $60,000 check Tuesday to Mahoning County Health Commissioner Matthew Stefanak.

These senior citizens are special, said Anthony Lariccia, explaining his affection for the program and its clients.

“They come from a time when pride mattered. They washed their cars and kept up their homes and taught us how to work and save. They sacrificed and fought World War II for us. They are great role models for the generations that followed them. To turn our backs on them would be wrong,” he said.

“If it weren’t for the Lariccias’ generosity and commitment to seniors, we wouldn’t be able to provide these services,” Stefanak said.

The program, located in the Mahoning County South Side Annex at 2801 Market St., offers a hot lunch, physical and craft activities, transportation and a place to socialize.

“These are very special people who want to continue to come here and be with their friends. It fills my heart,” said Mrs. Lariccia.

This is the second consecutive year that the Lariccias have donated $60,000 to the center to keep it going after the county health department’s funding for the program dried up. Last year, Lariccia pledged to help keep the center open as long as necessary.

The center, which is open Monday through Friday, is also partially funded by the Area Agency on Aging, and clients are asked to donate at least $5 a day and another $2 a day for food.

“We’re so grateful to the Lariccias. They make it possible for some of the most frail in our society to have some quality of life,” said Diana Colaianni, head of the county health district’s nursing division.

“This is wonderful. This is all God’s work,” said Lariccia.

alcorn@vindy.com