Charles Raffa
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Charles "Charlie" Raffa (c. 1904-October 19, 1988) was an Italian emigrant to New York City who became a successful businessman. He was the father of Matilda Cuomo, and the maternal grandfather of Andrew Cuomo.[1]
Career
He worked as a laborer when he first immigrated from Italy.
Later, he founded his own business Ideal Fixture Company, which became highly successful building supermarket shelves and refrigeration units. According to Lori Zabar, he was "known for providing ... affordable payment terms." Zabar reports that he recommended to Louis Zabar, the original location for his eponymous grocery store Zabar's.[3]
He used the proceeds from this company to invest in real estate, buying up dozens of residential and commercial properties in New York.[4]
