Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story posted on the Web and published in Wednesday’s Mirror incorrectly said Anthony Forgione was the founder of Boyer Candy Co. He was a previous owner. The company was founded in the 1930s by William E. and Robert Boyer, who started making fudge in the kitchen of their mother, Emily A. Boyer, according to Mirror files. The mistake was an editing error.
By Phil Ray
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Anthony Forgione II has been named the trustee and president of Boyer Candy Co., after petitioning the Florida courts that put a western Pennsylvania businessman in charge five years ago.
Forgione vows that the company’s business will become a lasting legacy to his father.
‘‘As long as the company is operating, I feel my father is with me,’’ he said.
Consolidated Brands, owned by Anthony Forgione, bought Boyer Candy Co. in June 1984. He owned and operated the company at 821 17th St., until his death March 23, 2001. Two years later, Roy Mollomo, a friend of the elder Forgione, was named by a Florida judge as trustee of the Forgione Family Trust, which owns Boyer Candy, and as chief executive officer of the company.
The trust includes Anthony Forgione’s former wife, Deborah, and the couple’s three children, Anthony II, Danielle and Jonathan.
Altoona native Robert Faith, formerly of Faith Vending Co., has replaced Mollomo as CEO. Faith has taken over the day-to-day operations of Boyer, and in the past month candy sales have increased by 15 percent. He said the company employs 71 workers.
‘‘There’s a lot of things I need to do. ... It takes time to come up with specific plans,’’ he said.
Mollomo could not be reached for comment.
Both Faith and Forgione said that despite the changes and ups and downs of the company, one thing has remained constant over the years — the company has been under the control of the Forgione family. The family, once divided, is now united, Forgione said.
‘‘We want this business to stay in Altoona, and keeping it in the family trust is a way to do that,’’ said Faith.
Forgione said that when he came to Altoona to see the plant in January, he noticed rust on the company’s tower. That’s been painted. The canopy outside the main entrance was ripped. That has been replaced.
Now the company is working to acquire new machinery and expand its product line.
Boyer used to produce Easter and Halloween candy, Forgione said, and he would like to see those additional ventures restarted. The company’s staple is the well-known Mallo Cup, and a goal will be to dramatically expand the production and sale of the popular treat.
‘‘It’s going to take time,’’ he cautioned.
Forgione, a 30-year-old Manhattan attorney, remembers spending time at the plant as a child and recalls the sweet smell of Mallo cups and the excitement surrounding the sale of candy on holidays.
‘‘I grew up milling around that place. ... It’s not a plant, it’s my home,’’ he said as he talked about the once flourishing candy company that he said ‘‘is a source of pride in Altoona.’’
The Boyer building is owned by Altoona Blair County Development Corp., said Martin Marasco, ABCD’s executive director. He said ABCD officials recently met with the new leadership at Boyer.
‘‘They want to grow the business,’’ he said.
Mirror Staff Writer Phil Ray is at 946-7468.
