“As a kid I liked to buy things and fix them up, then sell them. My sister’s boyfriend was taking a class on woodworking and I became interested in it. That started it all,” Viterisi explained.
Viterisi starts a piece of furniture by sketching it. Each one is his own, no patterns. Then he takes his sketch to his workshop, which appears to have every tool that anyone could possibly use.
To appreciate Viterisi’s craft, walk through his home at 950 Park Ave, the building that was formerly his father’s store. From 1970 to 1988 it belonged to Joe Viterisi Sr., and before that it was Chris Berger’s Grocery. The Lally family were the first owners, according to the threshold, dating back to 1898.
The downstairs remains open space used for gatherings, etc.; but upstairs, Viterisi’s skilled artistry decorates the five bedrooms and hall, which extends the entire depth of the building.
