Spitaleri Furniture earns name on N.J. street sign

South River, N.J.— After a century in business, Spitaleri Furniture has earned its name on a street sign here.

Spitaleri Centennial Way is an honorary title granted by the borough of South River, but it is indeed mounted right above the official Ferry Street sign outside the retailer's

Owner Anthony J. Spitaleri III, known as "Skeeter," is proud of his family's deep roots in the area. The company bills itself as the oldest family-owned store in New Jersey.

His late grandfather, also named Anthony, founded the business in 1905 in the same building it occupies today. At first it was Tony Spitaleri and Co., and later, after son Anthony II — Skeeter's father — was born in 1928, Tony Spitaleri and Son.

The midpriced store, a landmark in this central New Jersey town, covers 12,000 square feet on four floors. Key suppliers include Vaughan, Vaughan-Bassett, Webb, Berkline, American Drew, Philip Reinisch, Best Home Furnishings and, in bedding, Spring Air.

Furniture is arranged in room settings. The retailer makes the vignettes even more home-like by using props, including fake people, fake food and even a fake spilled ice cream cone or two.

While the four-story layout may be less efficient than a modern, sprawling showroom, Spitaleri has never tried to move the store.

"I've thought about it. I'm very comfortable where I'm at," he said.

But he said he won't stop his children from doing what they want with the business after he retires. Jennifer, 23, Anthony IV, 22, and Justina, 20, all work at the store and will take over from their father someday.