Mike Aquilina, son of Mike and Mary Aquilina, spoke fondly about his parents and the dedication of the Mike & Mary Aquilina Early Learning Center at the Greater Pittston YMCA on July 13. Mike and Mary’s grandson Jay Duffy, left, and Greater Wyoming Valley Area Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Popiel, right, look on.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
The children of Mike and Mary Aquilina were on hand at the unveiling of the Mike & Mary Aquilina Learning Center at the Greater Pittston YMCA. Left to right: Joe Aquilina, Florence Duffy, Charlie Aquilina, Mike Aquilina, Sue Sullivan, Mary Hanczyc, Rosaria Baldino.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Decedents of Mike and Mary Aquilina were on hand for the dedication of the Mike & Mary Aquilina Early Learning Center room at the Greater Pittston YMCA.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
A former workout room was converted to the Mike & Mary Aquilina Early Learning Center at the Greater Pittston YMCA.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
The plaque of Mike and Mary Aquilina is set on the wall outside the learning center in their name at the Greater Pittston YMCA.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
PITTSTON — The Mike & Mary Aquilina Early Learning Center was dedicated on Sunday, July 13 at the Greater Pittston YMCA.
A former workout room on the first floor of the YMCA was converted into the learning center.
According to former Pittston YMCA director, now Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Popiel, said the room was necessary with daycare services increasing over the years.
Jay Duffy, grandson of Mike and Mary Aquilina, attended a YMCA meeting a year ago involving a capital campaign to raise funds through dedicating rooms and the gym in honoring loved ones.
“Each day that I entered this ‘Y’, I noticed the incredible transformation of the lower-level adult fitness facility to a soon-to-be Early Learning Center,” Duffy said. “At that point it hit me that this particular room would be a perfect fit to honor Mike and Mary Aquilina aka Nan and Pop.”
Duffy best described his grandparents as those who would give the shirt off their back in describing their generosity and charitable efforts.
“I have heard old stories about my grandparents actually providing clothing and food to the less fortunate within the Greater Pittston area,” Duffy added. “This story is even more interesting considering they were of little means themselves while raising seven children.”
Even with economic status, the Aquilina’s were able to put all seven children college and nursing school.
“Isn’t it fitting that we are dedicating the Greater Pittston YMCA Early Learning Center to Mike and Mary Aquilina,” Duffy said. “A safe place where children from all walks of life will gather daily and be educated by our excellent YMCA staff.”
