My grandfather, Charles Mangino, was a truly inspiring, dedicated, and loving human, as well as a successful business owner and amazing family man. 

Charles started his business as a grocery store owner in a small section of New Castle, Pennsylvania called Mahoningtown. 

Mahoningtown is a place where neighbors feel like family members, your friends have your back no matter what and everyone feels a sense of pride when watching one of their own build an amazing business in the community. 

My grandpa Charles and grandma Shirley were the proud owners of S&C’s Grocery Store, all while raising 3 children. They were definitely busy, but both made it a priority to spend time with family. 

My grandpa loved everything about business. He once told me that as a child, he and his friend would play “business” and carry briefcases around with old receipts inside of them.  

He never really talked about his business to me growing up, but I would eagerly listen in while he was on the phone either talking to customers or my parents. I learned so much by eavesdropping in those conversations—everything from dedication, loyalty, and friendship, to managing struggles within businesses and our own personal lives

My grandma passed away when I was very young, so my grandpa spent a lot of time with us. I grew very close to him and enjoyed listening to his stories. Honestly, at times, I would tell my friends I was busy and could not hang out with them because I wanted to spend time at home with my grandpa.

My grandpa has been an inspiration to me throughout my life, even though neither one of us truly realized it until now. I had never once thought about becoming a business owner, but here I am today, running my own business. 

I can’t help but think that many of the lessons my grandpa taught me (as subtle as they were), have shaped who I am, specifically as a businesswoman. My elders have always held a special place in my heart, and that is why I chose to first become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), I am able to work with the elderly and help them stay as independent as possible as they age! 

While working as a COTA/L, I have realized many people don’t have that close relationship that I had with my grandfather, or maybe just don’t live close enough to visit. A friend of mine, Holly, joined me to found a company that gives families a way to stay connected with elderly loved ones.

I have been so fortunate to be able to combine all of my favorite things into a career: family, occupational therapy, and helping the elderly. 

My grandpa passed away in 2013. I would give anything to be able to talk to him again, celebrate birthdays together and even talk business with him. Because of my special relationship with my grandpa, I want to give others the opportunity to do that with their loved ones while they still have the chance!

If you’d like to write a post for Senior Storybook, please fill out our form here and contact emma@loveforourelders.org with any questions.

Ali Izzo-Linton

Ali Izzo-Linton, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, founded Purpose Therapy Box in 2018.  Purpose is a subscription box service that provides families with the means to stay connected and remind their older loved ones they are not forgotten and still have Purpose. Follow Ali and Purpose Therapy Box at @purposetherapybox.