Original Site of Longtime Enfield Family Business Demolished

ENFIELD, CT — A small trucking business established by an Italian immigrant nearly a century ago, which has grown into one of the longest-tenured and most prosperous companies in Enfield, saw a bit of its history eradicated Thursday, as the firm's original building was leveled.

Antonio Spazzarini, who came to the United States in 1907, started his business in 1921 on Columbus Ave., a dead-end street nestled between Belmont and Park avenues in Thompsonville. His grandson, Anthony Spazzarini, carried on his grandfather's pursuit of the American dream beginning in the 1950s, evolving into a small contracting business serving public and private clients, and he moved his headquarters to 38 Post Office Rd. more than 50 years ago.

Anthony's sons, Edward and Mark, continued to grow the company into a multi-million dollar contracting firm, which currently enjoys the status as one of the premier road and site contractors in Connecticut. The Post Office Rd. headquarters expanded in 2009, and currently boasts a nearly 11,000 square foot main building and several other structures.

Rick Agro, grandson of Anthony Spazzarini and great-grandson of Antonio, recalled his grandfather storing his cars in the Columbus Ave. garage after retiring from the business.

"He drove until he was 98, and I miss seeing his Cadillac parked in there," said Agro, who was given the building in 1987, shortly before his grandfather's passing.

Agro said the town recently ordered him to demolish the old garage due to structural deficiencies and safety concerns for area youngsters. As he watched a large machine begin to break through the top of the building Thursday, he said he was sad to see it go, but conceded the time was right.