BY JASON COHEN
A fourth-generation family
business, Van Nest Auto Parts
has been a staple in the Morris
Park and Van Nest neighborhoods
for almost a century.
On July 26, New York State
Sen. Gustavo Rivera recognized
owners Frank Pestone
and his wife Peggy for their
success with the NY State
Empire Business Award. The
award is given to a business
that is a leader in their industry,
promotes economic
growth and positively impacts
the community.
The Morris Park Business
Improvement District nominated
Van Nest Auto Parts, located
at 1765 Bronxdale Ave.,
for the award.
“I was surprised,” Pestone
told the Bronx Times. “I knew
they gave such an award,
but I didn’t know I would be
picked.”
Pestone, 81, was born and
raised in the house next to
the auto parts store. Working
at the store — started by his
grandfather who he idolized
— was all he ever knew.
“He was a tough good man,
but I learned a lot from him,”
Pestone said. “Now that I have
grandchildren, I know how to
be with them. He always had
time to do something with
me.”
According to Pestone, his
dad and grandfather always
treated people with respect,
were kind and made sure clients
continued to feel welcome.
It was these traits that
were passed onto him, that he
has also ingrained in his son
Craig, who will also take over
the reins eventually.
Pestone became a full-time
owner in his mid-30s when his
dad had a heart attack and
stepped away from the business.
Since then, he has continued
to follow in the footsteps of
both his dad and grandfather.
According to Pestone, Van
Nest Auto Parts not only offers
good deals, but hire from
within the community and fi -
nancially support local organizations
like the Van Nest
Baseball Little League, which
they have done every year
since 1969.
BRONX TIMES R 30 EPORTER, AUG. 6-12, 2021 BTR
Additionally, Pestone is a
founding member of the Morris
Park Business Improvement
District (MPBID), and
donates toys and food to the
Our Lady of Solace Church, located
at 731 Morris Park Ave.
“It’s been a good life,” he
said. “I’ve worked hard, but I
didn’t mind working hard.”
Pestone, who owns the
building of the auto part store
as well as the former home
of Van Nest Lanes across the
street, stayed in Morris Park
until his 40s.
Today, he lives in Connecticut
in close proximity to
his son Craig and his grandchildren.
But he still maintains
deep roots to the community.
To this day, his wife
still shops at the same local
butcher and supermarket and
Pestone goes to the same barber
and doctor in the area.
He said his toughest time
as an owner was this past
year during the pandemic.
Van Nest Auto Parts owners Frank and Peggy Pestone, and their son
Craig receive the Empire Business Award from Sen. Gustavo Rivera.
Photo Jason Cohen
While the store was busy at
points, Pestone contracted
COVID-19 and spent 11 days
in the hospital. “COVID was
probably the most devastating
because you saw so many
businesses around here
closed up,” he said.
Having been open for
nearly a century isn’t really
something that has crossed
Pestone’s mind. primarily, he
focuses his attention on two
things: family and the business.
“You don’t know what’s going
to happen in life,” he said.
“I think other businesses
didn’t have the success I had
because they didn’t have the
ability or luck and that I can
have a son to come in here
and takeover. If you’re lucky
to get a few good people who
work with you, take care of
them.”
Van Nest Auto Parts receives
Empire Business Award
CASTLE HILL YMCA
BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY
Saturday, September 18, 2021
11AM - 1 PM
Castle Hill YMCA
2 Castle Hill Avenue
Bronx NY 10473
FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF THE BRONX
Docket # NN-38241-43-19
SUMMONS
In the Matter of
DERECK/VICTOR/MIA FERNANDEZ
A Child(ren) Under Eighteen Years Alleged to be Neglected by
MARLENY LIRANZO/GERARDO CONSTANZA
Respondent(s)
BRONX FAMILY COURT
LINK IN- https://notify.nycourts.gov/meet/ag3waa
Or 1-929-346-7209
PART 17- CONFERENCE ID – 226988904#
PLEASE CALL NUMBER ABOVE ON DATE AND TIME BELOW
NOTICE: PLACEMENT OF YOUR CHILD IN FOSTER CARE MAY RESULT IN YOUR LOSS OF YOUR
RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILD. IF YOUR CHILD STAYS IN FOSTER CARE FOR 15 OF THE MOST
RECENT 22 MONTHS, THE AGENCY MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO FILE A PETITION TO
TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND TO COMMIT GUARDIANSHIP AND CUSTODY OF
YOUR CHILD TO THE AGENCY FOR THE PURPOSES OF ADOPTION. IN SOME CASES, THE
AGENCY MAY FILE BEFORE THE END OF THE 15-MONTH PERIOD. IF SEVERE OR REPEATED
CHILD ABUSE IS PROVEN BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE, THIS FINDING MAY
CONSTITUTE THE BASIS TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND TO COMMIT
GUARDIANSHIP AND CUSTODY OF YOUR CHILD TO THE AGENCY FOR THE PURPOSES OF
ADOPTION.
TO: MARLENY LIRANZO/GERARDO CONSTANZA
A petition under ARTICLE 10 of the FAMILY COURT ACT having been filed with this court alleging that
the above-named child(ren) is a neglected child(ren), a copy of said petition being annexed hereto:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear before this court at 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, New
York 10451, Part 17, on AUGUST 17, 2021 at 9:30 AM in the forenoon of said day to answer the petition
and to show cause why said child(ren) should not be adjudicated to be a neglected child(ren) and why
you should not be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE 10 of the FAMILY COURT
ACT and why an order of support under SECTION 235 of the FAMILY COURT ACT should not be made
if the final disposition is an order of placement.
On your failure to appear as herein directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
FURTHER NOTICE: Family Court Act §154(c) provides that petitions brought pursuant to Articles 4,5,6,8
and 10 of the Family Court Act, in which an order of protection is sought or in which a violation of an order
of protection is alleged, may be served outside the State of New York upon a Respondent who is not a
resident or domiciliary of the State of New York. If no other grounds for obtaining personal jurisdiction
over the Respondent exist aside from the application of this provision, the exercise of personal jurisdiction
over the respondent is limited to the issue of the request for, or alleged violation of, the order of protection.
Where the Respondent has been served with this summons and petition and does not appear, the Family
Court may proceed to a hearing with respect to issuance or enforcement of the order of protection.
STEPHEN BYRNES
CLERK OF COURTS
Dated: 6/28/2021
/ag3waa
/ag3waa