The charismatic Italian trio sold door-to-door in the neighborhoods of Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Pittsburgh prior to Patsy opening Lachina Drapery & Brookline Fabrics in the early 1960s.
Mr. Lachina grew up in the coastal providence of Agrigento, Italy. After coming to America Patsy, his father, and his cousin initially sold fabrics and dry goods to mostly Italians, but as they mastered the English language their clientele grew dramatically.
Mr. Lachina was a skillful entrepreneur who recognized the need to change with the times. The impeccably dressed man who spoke with a slight Italian accent always demonstrated “old world” charm that kept his customers coming back for decades. “Your house should look as beautiful as you,” he would tell his female customers.
In the early 1960s Mr. Lachina and his wife, Giovanna (or Joanna), started the drapery and fabrics business on Brookline Boulevard, serving department stores, mom and pops fabric stores and homeowners. They turned the business into one of the most respected manufacturers of custom made draperies in the mid-Atlantic region. The business flourished and in the 1980s, Mr. Lachina opened a manufacturing plant and showroom in East Liberty employing 100 people.
Mr. Lachina worked in the business he loved until his passing in August 1997. He was 65 and lived in Mount Lebanon. He is deeply missed by his family and his loyal customers.
Mr. Lachina’s son Leonard followed in his father’s footsteps and started working with the family business when he was 8 years old. Today as company President of Lachina Drapery & Blind Factory, Leonard has continued the family tradition by working side-by-side with his sister Margaret and niece Joanna Pollock.
Anyone who knew Patsy Lachina would always say, “What a Great Man” and we couldn’t agree more. We are all very proud to carry on the family tradition and we thank all of you for your continued support.