The East Bay Printing & Copying Center celebrated its 50th anniversary open house in style last Wednesday, Nov. 13, amongst family and friends at its location at 601 Metacom Ave., in the Ocean State Plaza.

Originally located on State Street in the downtown Warren business district when the business first started in 1974, it was initial owner Anthony Carbone’s keen business sense which helped make East Bay Printing the success that it enjoys today.

“I knew it would be a great success,” said Jane Piccerelli, Anthony Carbone’s former wife and mother of current owner Melissa Carbone Soares. “My children, John Carbone and Melissa Carbone Soares, have been very successful in taking over for their father.”

For the record, many contend that Tony Carbone was a genius when it came to starting the printing and copying business, especially when he brought in the late Alan Albergaria as a “silent partner”.

“I can’t stress enough what Alan meant to the business,” said Melissa in an earlier interview. “He was very professional.”

Melissa also benefitted by bringing in Steven DaSilva to help run the show.

“Steven has been here as long as me,” she said. “It’s been a wonderful experience working with him.”

In 2020, both Tony Carbone and Alan Albergaria passed away, leaving Melissa faced with a tremendous void.

“They were the two most important men I looked up to,” she confessed. “I tried to keep the business alive. But, with the help of Steven DaSilva, among others, I was able to continue making the business the success that it enjoys today.”

“I have to thank the community for making this all happen,” Melissa noted. “If it wasn’t for these people, none of this would have happened.”

Wednesday’s open house included light fare and beverages and a wonderful bit of camaraderie from everyone who entered the front door of the business.

In the end, Melissa said it best: “We at East Bay Printing & Copying would like to extend our gratitude to all our loyal customers who have supported us for50 years and counting.”