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Following in the focused footsteps of grandfather Pellegrino and father Louis, L. Jay Agnes has nurtured a healthy professional and amicable identity, the former helping him to make P. Agnes, Inc., 2101 Penrose Ave., a thriving construction manager and builder and the latter ingratiating him with numerous neighborhood entities and organizations.
“They set a great example of wanting to be involved in the community,” the 64-year-old company vice president said of his descendants, whose 96-year commitment to excellent he continues through many reputable partnerships and projects. “I’m very grateful to have met wonderful people through my efforts and look forward to encountering more.”
The Lower Moyamensing dweller, whose company claimed a 2012 Construction Manager of the Year honor from the Subcontractors Association of Delaware Valley, has best exemplified his relatives’ influence through his 17-year involvement with the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad St., whom he is assisting in the completion of its conflict resolution-themed Cascia Center. He also boosts his everyman credentials through bolstering the Vendemmia Foundation; the 1492 Society, which will present the Columbus Day Parade along South Broad Street Sunday; the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Northeast Chamber of Commerce, the latter deeming him a Crystal Vision Award winner; and the South Broad Street Neighborhood and South Philadelphia Communities Civic associations as treasurer. No matter the number of endeavors, Agnes never seeks distinction, seeing his participation as a way to make families stronger.
“I am very much about helping people to have more pride in their surroundings,” the husband and father said. “Especially in South Philadelphia, there really should be a tight-knit feel.”
Slightly embarrassed over his Difference Maker nod, he views it as a means to preach a flawless message.
“I’d love to see more people getting involved,” he said. “Be active, and pitch in; after all, this is the space you inherited.”
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2014 Difference Makers
/ L. Jay Agnes / Christine M. Beady / Jessica Calter / Mikki Capo /
/ Barbara Capozzi / Giovanna Cavaliere /
/ Christopher DiCapua / Marlo and Jason Dilks / Marie DiStefano / Beth Dougherty /
/ Cornell Drummond / Maureen Fratantoni / Etrulia (Trudy) Gay / Jess Gould /
/ David and Lisa Grainge / Richie Lazer / Tim Lidiak /
/ Shane Martin / Laura McColgan / Akhenaton Mikell / Russell Shoemaker / Lionel Simmons / Tom Wyatt/
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