Celebrations begin for 100th anniversary of Gennaro Jewelers

It’s the 100th year a business for Gennaro Jewelers in Bellmore, and last week, State Assemblyman Dave McDonough, who represents Merrick, Bellmore and surrounding communities, presented a citation to Gennaro’s owner, Gary Hudes, congratulating him on the business’s accomplishment.

According to the business’s website, Gennaro Jewelers was originally owned and operated by expert watchmaker Erwin Von der Heydt, who was born on a farm in North Bellmore in the early 1900s.

Von der Heydt and his wife, Better, opened the jewelery and gift store at its distinctive Bedford Avenue location in Bellmore in 1923. Considered one of finest jewelers on Long Island, Von der Heydt was contracted to install clocks at the West Bathhouse at Jones Beach.

The jewelry shop was purchased by Louis Gennaro in 1962, and the store became known as Gennaro Jewelers in 1968. Gennaro considered to serve the area as a “premier”  jeweler on Long Island.

Hudes joined the staff in 1979, and became a partner shortly after. Hudes expanded the business to become what it is today — a store that is also capable of designing and remounting jewelry, appraising pieces and repairing items.

A former town councilman, Hudes remains very active in many organizations in Nassau County, including the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, Toys for Tots and several law enforcements groups.

The 100-year-old business gives back to the community when it can — donating to schools, little leagues, religious organizations, law enforcement and fire department fundraisers.

And aside from being honored by McDonough, Gennaro Jewelers was also accepted to the state’s Historic Business Preservation Registry, which honors and recognizes historical businesses throughout New York.

“Business like yours are the backbone of our communities,” the letter from the state’s Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation department reads, “and have helped to shape our state’s cultural identity.”

Gennaro Jewelers is located at the same storefront it first opened, at 410 Bedford Ave., Bellmore. For more about the business, visit GennaroJewelers.com.