Our Story
ROCKY’S ACE HARDWARE
Your Hometown Hardware Store
From one modest store to 50 convenient locations throughout Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Rocky′s is now one of the nation’s largest Ace dealers, known for expertise and great product selection in paint, hardware and lawn & garden.
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
YEARS OF FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
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The History of Rocky’s Ace Hardware
Family-Owned Since 1926
Rocky’s was founded in 1926 by Rocco (Rocky) J. Falcone. Back then, Rocky’s was a mom-and-pop business and had just one location — in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, on the corner of Main and Union streets. In 1966, Rocco’s son James began to run the business with his sister, Claire, leading the marketing department. During the 1970s and 1980s, James developed the single store operation into a successful seven-store chain.
1926
Rocky's Opens
In 1926, the first Rocky’s Hardware location opened up in Springfield, MA on the corner of Union and Main Streets.
1926 Rocky's Opens
In 1926, the first Rocky’s Hardware location opened up in Springfield, MA on the corner of Union and Main Streets. In the beginning, Rocky’s was a small mom-and-pop store that specialized in paint and hardware.
Rocky’s got it’s name from founder Rocco “Rocky” Falcone who opened the store as a means of providing his community with quality products and excellent customer service. At the time of its opening, Rocky’s was one of only two hardware stores in the Springfield area.
1929-1941
First Obstacle
Rocky’s experienced its first great obstacle with the start of the Great Depression. Rocky’s adapted to the needs of the community and became Rocky’s Rental.
1929-1941
Rocky’s experienced its first great obstacle with the start of the Great Depression. As financial hardships swept the nation, Rocky’s Hardware adapted to the needs of our community by temporarily rebranding to Rocky’s Rental. Our neighbors, who would otherwise struggle to afford emergency home repairs and maintenance, had the option to rent out tools and supplies at a more affordable cost.
1966
7-Store Expansion
In 1966, Rocky’s son James “Jim” Falcone became president. He was soon joined by his sister, Claire Falcone, who took over the Marketing Department of Rocky’s Hardware.
1966
In 1966, Rocky’s son James “Jim” Falcone became president. He was soon joined by his sister, Claire Falcone, who took over the Marketing Department of Rocky’s Hardware. Under Jim’s leadership, the single-store operation expanded to a seven-store chain across the Western Massachusetts area and began its affiliation with Ace Hardware.
TODAY
Family-Owned Legacy
Today, third-generation, Rocco Falcone II holds the position of President and co-owns the company with Claire Falcone.
Today
Today, third-generation, Rocco Falcone II holds the position of President and co-owns the company with Claire Falcone. Rocco’s son, John Falcone currently holds the title of Director of Merchandising and daughter, Melissa Falcone works as a Marketing Specialist. Rocco’s nephew, Anthony DeLiso has joined the Rocky’s legacy as the company’s Promotions Coordinator.
Local, friendly service Since the beginning
It was then that Rocky’s started its national affiliation with the Ace Hardware Co-op. The relationship with Ace offered Rocky’s Hardware the buying power of a national chain, national advertising, and the computerization of accounting and inventory procedures, all while still maintaining local, independent ownership and Rocky’s longtime identity as a neighborhood hardware store.
Four Generations of providing for the community
Today, James’ son, Rocco Falcone II holds the position of President with Claire remaining a co-owner. In recent years, the Falcone family has expanded as the fourth-generation has entered the business. Rocco’s son, John Falcone currently holds the title of Director of Merchandising with Rocco’s nephew, Anthony DeLiso joining the Rocky’s legacy as the company’s Promotions Coordinator.
Under the Falcone family’s leadership, Rocky’s Ace Hardware has continued to evolve, responding to customer demand by expanding its hardware product lines, increasing stock selection and adding a variety of new services.
Visit one of our 50 convenient locations
From one modest store to now 50 convenient locations throughout Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, Rocky′s has become one of the country’s largest Ace dealers, noted for its customer service and product selection.
Adding a variety of services and departments, Rocky’s continues to focus on helping customers with home repair, lawn & garden and painting projects. This focus on our customers means that Rocky′s stores have retained their friendly, neighborhood hardware store identity.
We encourage all of our customers to talk with our expert staff, ask questions and browse our huge selection of products. We will make sure that you leave with everything you need to get your project done right the first time.
