The Makers

Clarifying the legacy of the two Antoninos who built an American institution.

Antonino Ajello Sr.
The Founder (American Branch)

Antonino Ajello Sr. (c. 1848 – 1938)

Born in Sicily, Antonino Sr. emigrated to America in 1862 with his father, Rafael. As a teenager, he carried the family's candle-making secrets across the Atlantic, adapting old-world techniques to the bustling energy of 19th-century New York.

In 1885, he formally established the independent Ajello candle business in New York. A master craftsman with an artistic soul, he was known for his "sweet-scented formulations" and a secret family formula that produced candles of unmatched longevity and beauty. He laid the foundation for the family's national reputation.

The Successor

Antonino Ajello Jr. (c. 1902 – 1964)

Growing up in the glow of his father's workshop, Antonino Jr. inherited both the name and the gift. He worked side-by-side with his father on the company's most ambitious projects, including the colossal Enrico Caruso memorial candle.

Leading the company through the mid-20th century, he maintained the family's presence at the Waldorf Astoria and expanded their reputation among New York's elite. His death in 1964 marked the end of an era, but he had already ensured the torch was passed to the next generation.

Antonino Jr with Caruso Candle

Antonino Jr. with the Caruso Memorial Candle

Ralph A. Ajello (1905 – 1971)

As President of A. Ajello & Bros., Ralph brought corporate leadership to the family artistry. He was instrumental in managing the company's growth and maintained his own experimental shop in Bronxville, ensuring that innovation remained a core value of the family enterprise.