A 30-year institution in Springfield Township, Vera’s Water Ice, has a new owner, write Peg DeGRassa for the Daily Times.

The popular water ice and ice cream shop will keep a tradition of opening on Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m., shortly before Springfield’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The new owners are Rich Gallo, his wife Jaclyn, Lou Farese and his wife Jessica.

The business started in 1995 under the Lanciano family, who sold it to the Brawley family in 2004.

 “Vera’s has always been owned by Springfield families and that trend will continue with us,” Gallo said.

Lou, Jessica and Jaclyn all grew up in Springfield. Lou and Jessica are in Springfield High School’s Class of 2011. Jaclyn graduated Springfield High in 2013.

Gallo grew up in Media, a part of the Devon Prep Class of 2012. They all currently live in Springfield.

“Lou, Jessica, and Jaclyn frequently went to Vera’s as kids,” Gallo explained. “I grew up with a love for ice cream and a passion for my local community.”

“Vera’s Water Ice has been a staple in the Springfield community for almost 30 years and when the opportunity presented itself, we knew it was the right fit.”

Read more about Vera’s Water Ice in Springfield at the Daily Times.

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