Given to a long standing business that demonstrates service and commitment to Dutchess County residents. Congratulations Legion Fireworks, Roberta Theiss accepting.
Legion Fireworks
Legion Fireworks was founded in 1920 in Beacon by Joseph Chiarelli, moving to the town of Wappinger in 1924. The business has had only two families own and operate it in that time. In the 19th century, Italy was the leading European country to embrace fireworks, a Chinese invention. The large influx of Italians in the late 19th century saw a large influx of those skills. Many fireworks companies in the United States have roots of Italian heritage and history. Frank Coluccio, who started out as an employee of Chiarelli, took over the business in 1981 and took on every aspect of the business: the responsibility of book, managing, and literally creating each pyrotechnic. Coluccio spoke to the Poughkeepsie Journal in 2005 saying, “I’m a performer, I perform for an audience and I love to hear their cheers!” For pro-bono work as well as business and community-friendly approaches, Coluccio received the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award in 2021.Coluccio passed away in 2024. The business continues in the family under the leadership of Frank’s life partner Roberta Theiss, her daughter Deanna Theiss, and Frank’s nephew Christopher Walsh.
Prior winners:
Adams Fairacre Farms ~ Central Hudson ~ Children’s Home ~ EFCO ~ Marshall & Sterling ~ McCabe & Mack LLP ~ N&S Supply ~ Page Park Associates ~ Poughkeepsie Journal ~ Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery ~ Rhinebeck Bank ~ Saint Francis Hospital ~ Vassar Brothers Medical Center ~ Vassar-Warner Senior Residence~ Zimmer Brothers
Tickets include wine, drinks, and food from Simply Gourmet. Check out photos from last year!
$500 sponsorship includes two tickets!
Email Bill Jeffway about underwriting and other opportunities.