Addabbo honors two local businesses with place in New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry

Earlier this month, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. presented two local businesses with Senate Citations signifying their acceptance into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.

The businesses that were honored are Villa Russo, located at 101-12 Lefferts Boulevard in Richmond Hill and N. F. Walker of Queens Funeral Home located at 8734 80th Street in Woodhaven.

Villa Russo is a family-owned event venue that started out as a local pizzeria in Richmond Hill more than 65 years ago. Over the years the Russo family built their business from the small neighborhood pizzeria to a full-service restaurant. In 1975, the Russo family officially entered the catering business by building a banquet hall next to their existing restaurant and named it Villa Russo.

Walker Funeral Home was founded in 1899 and run by the Walker family until 1983. Paul Rudolph Sr. and his family took over the business in 1983 and have been operating it for more than 30 years.

“These local, family-owned businesses, which I have known my whole life, have been serving their community for decades and deserve to be recognized for their longevity and commitment to their communities,” Addabbo said. “It was my privilege to present George Russo of Villa Russo and Annmarie and Paul Rudolph of N. F. Walker Funeral Home with their listing on the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. I wish them much more success in the years to come!”