The Peoples Realty & Brokerage Company, Incorporated, of Utica, was organized by Frank P. Gifune in 1921, at which time the officers were as follows: Vincent Marrone, president; Benny Stefano, vice president; Frank P. Gifune, secretary; and C. F. Brophy, treasurer. Two years later Messrs. Stefano and Gifune obtained control of the concern by purchasing the interests of their associates. Benny Stefano is now the president and treasurer of the company, with Frank P. Gifune as vice president and secretary.
Benny Stefano was born in Italy on the 16th of May, 1889. His parents, also natives of Italy, brought him to the United States in 1891 and established their home in Utica, New York. Benny Stefano obtained a public school education in this city and after putting aside his textbooks embarked in the cigar business, while subsequently he turned his attention to the shoe trade. He became vice president of the Peoples Realty & Brokerage Company at its organization in 1921 and has been president and treasurer of the corporation since 1923. His present creditable position in Utica's business circles is the direct outcome of his own labors, enterprise and ability.
On the 11th of January, 1912, Mr. Stefano was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elefante of Utica. They are the parents of two children: Raymond, whose birth occurred on January 13, 1913; and Rita, born on the 7th of August, 1917. Mr. Stefano gives his political support to the republican party and fraternally is identified with the Woodmen of the World and with the Sons of Italy. His record is that of a self-made man whose prosperity is attributable entirely to his own efforts, and Utica numbers him among her esteemed and representative young citizens.
Frank P. Gifune is a native of Utica, and was born on the 26th of November, 1892. He supplemented his public school education in Utica by a course of study in the Utica Free Academy and the Utica School of Commerce. In 1912, when twenty years of age, he entered the real estate and insurance business, in which he has continued with steadily increasing success. As above stated, he organized the Peoples Realty & Brokerage Company in 1921 and for two years was officially identified therewith as secretary, while since 1923 he has served in the dual capacity of vice president and secretary.
On the 12th of November, 1914, Mr. Gifune wedded Miss Josephine L. Grande of Utica. To them have been born three children: Evelyn, whose natal day was September 2, 1916; Marian, whose birth occurred on April 20, 1917; and Frank, Jr., born August 28, 1924. Mr. Gifune is a republican in politics and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He made an excellent record as supervisor of the fifth ward in Utica and as cashier and delinquent tax collector of the city of Utica, 1920-21. His fraternal relations are with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Indepent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men.