First Posted: 6/12/2013

Joe Schillaci apparently has discovered another talent: writing. The successul Greater Pittston businessman recently published the book “The Ragman” about the local dress factory industry and has been told copies “are flying off the shelves” at book stores.

Schillaci will be at Barnes & Noble book store in Arena Hub Plaza, near Wyoming Valley Mall, on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. to autograph copies of the book and chat with folks about the role his father, Rocky, played in making the garment industry a Northeastern Pennsylvanian staple.

Told through several of Schillaci’s encounters with friends and relatives, “The Ragman” focuses on the prosperous dress factory industry of the early-to-mid 1900s.

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“It’s a great success story about the son of an immigrant, from his son and their friends and family,” Schillaci said.

“What makes the book and stories so compelling is that he accomplished so much and made such an impact in so little time,” Rocco Schillaci said of his dad. “He died over 28 years ago and I still hear people talking about him today. To me, that’s incredible.”

The 52-page paperback retails for $7 on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble and can be borrowed from the Luzerne County Library System.