Joe Valenti, Dominican University’s vice president of development, provided a poignant summary of what it means to be part of the Olori family, which he described as “a close-knit, multi-generational family that is truly is a blessing us all.”

“In 1950, when Lou Olori, Sr., was 40 years old, he and (his wife) Catherine took a leap of faith, founding Olori Crane Service in Rockland County. Throughout that first year the machine never lost a day’s work. The Oloris had succeeded in laying a solid foundation on which to build and grow both business and family.  With his anchor Catherine at his side, and fueled by grit, determination and hard work, Lou was off in pursuit of his American Dream.”

Mr. Valenti said the first piece of equipment the company acquired was “a crane mounted on a chain-drive Mack truck (which) was purchased while Lou worked full time as a Master Mechanic for utility contractor, Beckerle and Brown.”

With the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 and the advancing development taking root in Rockland, Mr. Valenti said it was “perfect timing for Olori—the company dovetailed that growth, and as the company grew so did the family; Lou and Catherine were blessed with five sons and a long-awaited daughter, MaryAnn.  Each of their sons joined the business as they came of age.  Growing up surrounded by the construction industry, the boys knew their way around equipment.”

The passage of time would allow Lou and Catherine to watch their business and family flourish, and hey particularly enjoyed their nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Mr. Valenti added. “Lou retired, confident that the business was in capable hands, happy that his grandchildren began to join the family business and proud of his legacy.”

Ron Olori, Sr. remained with Olori Crane along with his children, Lisa Olori-Bruno and Ron Olori Jr. “Both had worked with the company for more than 15 years…Ron Jr.’s children, Justin and Julianne, also joined the family business. For Ron, Sr., it was a point of pride—and one of much joy—that his grandchildren became the fourth generation to work at this business that was his lifeblood.”

Together they’ve worked to grow the business that Lou and Catherine founded, expanding their geographic territory throughout the Hudson Valley, and broadening the scope and capacity of cranes in the fleet.”

Over the course of 74 years much has changed, Mr. Valenti concluded. However, what remains the same are the values that have been passed down through those generations: integrity, work ethic, a commitment to your community and your customers.”

CIC Executive Director John Cooney, Jr., took the podium and congratulated Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien who served as president of the college, now university, for 35 years, which, he noted, was 50% of the institution’s 71 years of operation.

He also praised Sister Kathleen Sullivan for her equally outstanding lifetime of achievement that includes 55 years of service to the institution, including 10 years as its president. “Sticking with my simple math,” he quipped, “you have been involved with the University for almost 75% of its existence.”

Addressing the honorees, he summarized, “Sister Mary Eileen and Sister Kathleen, what my very complex mathematical equations add up to is simple: a lifetime of dedication to Dominican University, its students, faculty, alumni and the surrounding community. With no exaggeration, the both of you have totally shaped Dominican University’s past, present and have created a strong foundation for its future. Thank you both for your great work.”

For more information, visit www.duny.edu.