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Albert Covelli Sr. remembered
YOUNGSTOWN
Albert Covelli Sr., a Mahoning Valley icon who founded Covelli Enterprises, was remembered Monday as a businessman with a spirit of generosity.
Covelli died at his Florida home Saturday at age 94.
At the Covelli Centre, the flag flew at half-staff in his honor. A note was posted on the arena’s website, offering condolences to the Covelli family.
“The Covelli Centre staff would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Covelli family for the passing of Mr. Albert Covelli Sr. With any passing, there is a deep sense of loss, and though the community has lost a great pioneer and partner, there is no doubt that the entire Covelli family will continue to honor his memory and legacy through the amazing work they do throughout the Valley,” it read.
A statement released Monday evening by a Covelli Enterprises spokesman traced Covelli’s long, successful business career and recalled his legacy as a philanthropist.
“Mr. Covelli was a brilliant, highly skilled businessman whose philosophy for a successful life was to stay grateful, humble and focused on family. This philosophy guided him to one of the most-prestigious business careers in the history of the Mahoning Valley,” it said.
Born in Kenosha, Wis., Covelli served as a military lieutenant in World War II, before starting a series of markets and food companies.
In 1959, he moved with his wife and two children to Warren, where he opened his first McDonald’s restaurant.
Over the next 40 years, Covelli Enterprises would open 50 restaurants in Ohio and Pennsylvania, making the company the country’s largest McDonald’s franchisee.
In 1997, Covelli and his son Sam, CEO of Covelli Enterprises since 1985, sold their shares in McDonald’s and began franchising Panera Bread restaurants. With more than 250 locations in five states and Canada, Covelli Enterprises is the nation’s largest Panera Bread franchisee. It employs 25,000 people, including 2,000 locally.
Covelli’s philanthropic legacy includes millions of dollars donated to hundreds of charitable organizations, the statement said.
He started the company’s commitment to the U.S. Marine’s Toys for Tots program, and he was one of the chief donors to John F. Kennedy High School, which recently created a scholarship in his name. The fund awards $5,000 per student to 10 students each year who distinguish themselves in academics and leadership.
“Fueled by his love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was especially fond of charities focused on improving the lives of young people,” the statement said.
Covelli served on a long list of boards at banks, hospitals, universities and nonprofit organizations.
Covelli is survived by his wife of 66 years, Josephine, his daughter, Annette Ford, his son, Sam Covelli, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Hibiscus Children’s Center 2400 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach, FL 34957; John F. Kennedy High School, 2550 Central Parkway, SE, Warren, OH 44484; or The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, 812 Youngstown-Kingsville Road SE, Vienna, OH 44473.