V. Formusa Co. is celebrating it's 100^th Anniversary this year.  The company was founded in 1898 by Vincent Formusa, who came to this country from Termini Imerese, Italy as a young man.  He left behind a wife and other family members.  He came from a family of jewelers and watchmakers, which he learned as a trade.  When he came to this country, he set up a small shop on Grand Avenue in Chicago and worked as a jeweler.  He also worked as a navigation agent helping immigrants plan routes to New York and finally Chicago.  After working as a broker for some years, the clientele he built up, mostly being of Italian decent, inquired about Vincent importing Italian Food products such as pasta, oil, cheese and imported tomatoes.

     Vincent's mother's brother (his uncle) was his contact in Italy.   He was able to help him set up an import business here in Chicago, which was established in 1898.  Vincent Formusa sent for his wife from Italy.  They had four children here in America, three sons and a daughter. Two sons,  Peter and Joseph, worked with their father in the family business.  

     The family owned and operated company continues to manufacture and distribute fine Marconi products.  The name Marconi came about when Vincent and his sons tried to identify a name the Italians knew.  Thus Marconi was decided on.  The company has operated out of its present location at 710 W. Grand Avenue for its entire history, expanding from one building to its current five.  It has been selling Italian food specialties under the Marconi label for 75 years.   The company is currently run by Robert L. Johnson and Sue (Formusa) Johnson, a granddaughter of the founder.  Joey Johnson is also working in the business now.  She is the daughter of Bob and Sue and is a fourth generation Formusa. V. Formusa Co. continues to be a company that provides you with the same wonderful
                   "tastes you grew up with".