Jan. 15—Ray Doneluck and Augie Smarrelli remember when they first decided to go into business together.
In the 1960s, the pair worked at the Shenango China plant in silk screening. Doneluck said they weren't sure how long the plant was going to last, so they decided to start their own venture working out of a basement.
In 1974, they created R&A Screen Printing, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year at their 1217 Moravia St. shop.
"It's quite an accomplishment. Time moves by so fast," Doneluck said.
Over the years, the company has worked with clients across the country, including former President Lyndon B. Johnson, Nolan Ryan, Ted Williams, Chuck Tanner, Pete Rose and many more. The company has made T-shirts and other clothing, marbles, flags, window clings, ceramic plates, coffee mugs, election signs, other company signs, magnets, banners, candles, shopping bags and umbrellas.
R&A has designed materials for the U.S. military and special events, including the first 20 years of the Back to the 50's celebration in New Castle. There were also specialty shirts for historical events like the Gulf War and 9/11 terror attacks.
Lately, the shop sells shirts and other merchandise for supporters of Lawrence County's athletic teams. R&A provides the New Castle High School boys basketball team with shirts after clinching championships. Ray Doneluck's son, Jason, is an assistant coach for the Red Hurricane. Other son Brett also works at the shop.
Smarrelli said when the company was first formed, he was in charge of the decal work, while Doneluck was in charge of making products like the T-shirts.
"(We) never had a fight," Smarrelli said.
From 1974 to 1982, the business was located in the North Hill Plaza and since 1983 has been in its current South Side location.
Doneluck said Sporting Goods Inc. gave the pair their first job request as a business. Smarrelli said the pair had the opportunity years ago to relocate the business the Florida, but decided against it to remain in the city they both grew up in.
"We thought the community would back us up," Doneluck said. "They supported us all these years. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here."
The pair thanked current and past employees, including Janet Lasko, who recently retired after over 30 years. Including Doneluck and Smarrelli, other current employees include Misti Greco, Patty Angermier, Rose DeAugustine, Nikkole Davis and Brett Doneluck.
"Without good employees, we never would have made it," Doneluck said.