Sad news from our friends at ’47

We were saddened to learn of the passing of our good friend Arthur D’Angelo, the co-founder of ’47, who has died at the age of 97.

’47 – which produces caps and other sports apparel for major league and college teams – is such a great American success story.  The D’Angelo family immigrated from Italy in the late 1930’s, and Arthur and his twin brother Henry – all of 12 years old – went right to work, selling newspapers at Fenway Park. The boys knew little English – Arthur once claimed that the only words they had were “two cents”, which was the price of the newspaper – but they knew how to hustle.

After serving in World War II, the D’Angelos returned to Boston and began selling penants and other sports related items, again outside of Fenway Park. In 1947, they founded the business that grew into the powerhouse sports apparel company we know today.

But the ’47 story goes beyond business success. For years, the folks at ’47 have made sure that the kids that Christmas in the City serves had plenty of sports gear alongside the toys we provide. We could count on caps in every backpack for the thousands of kids who attended our traditional big party for families living in shelters, and, later, received gifts through our post-covid CITC: Delivered program.

And Jake’s Toy Mania wouldn’t be the same without the massive donation of apparel: tee shirts, hoodies, beanies, scarves, and – of course – caps, which we were able to provide for children in need and their parents. (And, yes, each year, we pull out any NY team gear and give it to Chip Kennedy for the Christmas in the City: NYC program that he runs.)

The generosity of Arthur D’Angelo and his family is a major part of his legacy, and we are proud to be among the many beneficiaries of their generosity.

Thank you, Arthur D’Angelo, for all you and your family have done for Christmas in the City. We honor you for a life well lived.