Photo by Jacob Perryman A&B Heating & Sheet Metal Co. owner Dave Papalia and state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, center, shake hands while Hutchinson presents commemorations from the state General Assembly honoring the business for 70 years of service. Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry Director of Chamber Operation John Papalia, left, and City of Warren Mayor David Wortman look on.

Percy Faith’s “Song From Moulin Rouge” was on the radio, Disney’s “Peter Pan” was in theaters and Carl Papalia was laying the groundwork for a family legacy in Warren County.

The year was 1953 and Papalia founded A&B Heating & Sheet Metal Co. Seventy years later, his son, Dave Papalia, carries on his father’s work as owner of the business.

A few years after returning home from serving in the South Pacific, Carl Papalia opened A&B, providing heating, plumbing, sheet metal, roofing spouting and air conditioning services. He was joined shortly thereafter by his brothers, Ralph, as part-owner, and Joe, as head serviceman.

Since then, the company has moved away from roofing to focus on indoor services, but still serves Warren County and the surrounding region.”Going into a house when it’s freezing and walking out when it’s warm is very satisfying,” Dave Papalia said. “It’s really about helping the customer.”

On Friday, the business was honored for seven decades of that service by the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry, the City of Warren, and the state House of Representatives and Senate.

During a small gathering, state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Mayor David Wortman and WCCBI Director of Chamber Operations John Papalia all praised the business and presented plaques and commendations in its honor.

“The small businesses are really the lifeblood of the community,” Hutchinson said.

Dave Papalia recognized both the community and his employees for the business’ longevity.

“What really keeps the business afloat is the community that keeps the phone ringing,” he said. “It’s the guys going out the back. I’m grateful for the good people that keep us going.”

He said the work has become something more for him over the years.

“I grew up in it. Dad put me to work when I was 12,” he recalled. “It quickly changed from a job to who you are.”

Following the presentations, a video of Rep. Glenn Thompson honoring the anniversary on the floor of the House of Representatives was shown.