Tom Deleo de Deleo Games and his father, Joe Deleo Jr., make a selection on a 1951 jukebox. Photo mirror by Patrick Waksmunski
Although peanut machines found in local bars and clubs in the mid -1940s can belong to the past, the small family business in Altoona which provided these new features always becomes strong and continuous to deliver entertainment options to companies not only in Pennsylvania, but also in five neighboring states.
The Deleo Games opened in 1945 at 411, Seventh St., in a small shop behind the house of Joe Deleo Sr. and his wife, Josephine.
Now, 80 years later, the company that bought, filled and delivered peanut machines has become a much larger company that provides arcade games, freight, digital juke-box, billiard tables, dart boards, Pennsylvania skills games, automatic ticket distributors and more.
Although the offers have been able to change, the family atmosphere remained, with Joe Deleo Jr., 88, working part -time as other family members – including his granddaughter Katie, representing the fourth generation – are at the head of the company’s daily operations.
Joe Deleo Jr., seen behind the wheel of a Deleo Games vehicle, was 8 years old when his parents launched into the game sector, opening a small shop at 411 Seventh St., Altoona, in 1945. Courtesy photo courtesy
Deleo Jr. was 8 years old when his parents got into business for themselves, after his father learned the sale and the service by working at Allen amusements in Altoona.
His parents “started with peanut machines,” said Deleo Jr., remembering that they were going to the various sites and “clean (the machines) for the next day”.
The Deleos have graduated from cigarette machines and freak in money, and attraction machines like Juke Boxes and pool tables, said Deleo Jr. “All that takes a nickel.”
A young boy at the time, Deleo Jr. said that he liked to work with his father. “The company was exciting.”
Deleo Sr. added a variety of machines to develop the company, and he also added more employees such as his anthony brothers “Shorty”, Danny and Herbie, and his sister-in-law, Millie.
The generations of the Deleo game family include (from left to right) are Tom Deleo and his wife Colleen Deleo, his father, Joe Deleo Jr., and his daughter Katie Link. Patrick Waksmunski mirror photo
A record store, sales albums, 45s and possibly recordings – or victrolas – has been added to the list, as is the “drop -down service of a room”.
Deleo Jr. graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle High School in 1954, went to the Pittsburgh University School, then returned home to open his own business, Downtowne Drug. He spent 30 years in the pharmacy sector, but remained involved in the fun business which is now a co-owner by his son, Tom, and his daughter-in-law, Colleen.
“We are probably the activity of the oldest automatic distributors in the region,” said Deleo Jr. “We are a survivor.”
Tom Deleo said the company was part of his life, after having grown with his father, and that remains a fun business.
“You meet new people and I like to work with employees,” he said.
Tom Deleo (right) helps the director of operations byron Cassidy under the hood of a freak. Patrick Waksmunski mirror photo
The concept of business has remained the same for 80 years – offering other companies of mechanical games of the amusement type – but modern technology has expanded the possibilities.
“(Companies) have not really changed much,” said Deleo Jr., noting that the machines are still parts or now, the dollars bill operated. But due to today’s technology, they are able to provide faster service than in the 1950s.
“At the time, you would receive a call, tracked someone,” said Tom Deleo. “Now everything is automatic.”
Deleo Jr. attributes the success of the company to the perseverance and the hard work of Tom.
“Under the direction of Tom, Deleo Games has prospered and became a leading distributor of the popular skills games in Pennsylvania,” said Deleo Jr.
Deleo Games’ warehouse director Scott Wible puts a paper roll in a Pennsylvania skills game. Patrick Waksmunski mirror photo
Tom Deleo has succeeded and expanded the Deleo Games in the past 40 years, said his father, adding that as third generation deleo, he introduced electronic dart leagues to the region 32 years ago. These remain extremely popular, said Deleo Jr.
With the influx of Pennsylvania skills games, the company continued to grow, offering a multitude of choices from which establishments can choose.
Companies that combine Deleo Games on skills machines “appreciate the resulting games and income have had a positive impact on global operations,” said Colleen Deleo. “Consequently, (Deleo Games) extended to greater installation and hired additional employees.”
Intrepid approach
Colleen said that her husband’s intrepid approach to seize new opportunities and adopt industry changes has played a decisive role in the conduct of the company’s success.
“(Tom) sailed in the evolution of jukebox, going from 45 and CDs to systems based on the Internet. His vision of our business and his desire to succeed are immeasurable. His grandfather would be incredibly proud, “said Colleen.
The business model is simple and benefits both Deleo games and their partner companies.
“We have the machines,” said Deleo Jr., explaining the partnership between the Deleo Games and the companies that house the machines.
As a fun entity, Deleo Games has contracts with companies to provide and maintain the machines. In return, the host company and the Deleo Games obtain part of the sales.
This allows the two companies to earn money and remain competitive.
Philanthropic efforts
Deleo Games is proud of community support.
“So many prosperous companies here have returned to the community, and we would like to be sure that we are one of them,” said Deleo Jr.
As a discreet profile business “, he said that the company is in fact” better known by our philanthropy “.
Deleo Games has been a supporter of the Healing Patch Chagrin Program for children for five years, said Kimberly Helsel, Director of Development / Marketing Communications for the Home Nursing Agency.
“We are so grateful that this local company chooses to invest in the future of our community, ensuring that children in mourning and their families can find hope and healing after loss,” said Helsel.
Deleo Games is also a supporter of Waw Pet Recovery by Blair County Inc.
“Their donation has allowed us to buy more equipment and better equipment to help us locate and trap pet”, said Kelly Gunsallus. “Cellular cameras and box traps are an important part of our organization. Their donation also contributed to bait food for traps and gas for our vehicle. »»
Deleo Games also has supported the Family Resource Center of the Comté de Blair for several years thanks to donations to parents as families of teachers and other awareness efforts, said director Denise Adams.
“They donated funds for our business in the bus program so that the students of the County Blair can have school supplies necessary to start the school year,” said Adams.
Deleo Games has also donated to the toddler toasty program that offers children up to 5 years new coats, hats and gloves, and has given gift cards to complete the needs of parents as teaching families to buy food, cleaning products, diapers and clothes.
Deleo Games has recently been appointed winner of the Prize for friends by the girls of the Girls Out evening, who is devoted to raising awareness of breast cancer and the financing of research and essential services, including mammography projections.
A partnership with community organizations and other companies is important, said the Deleo family.
“This is where our roots are,” said Colleen about business awareness efforts. “It is our community and our customers.”
As they turn to the future, the Deleos are preparing for continuous growth.
“We want to continue to provide entertainment to companies for future generations,” said Tom Deleo.
To this end, they are “lucky to have several family members and a team qualified as employees,” said Colleen, noting that “our daughter Katie is a precious asset at the accounting office”.
With Joe Deleo Jr. still actively involved, and a small freak too (please consult the video clip), “there are days, I say that everything is fun and the games work at Deleo Games,” said Colleen.
The Mirror Walt Frank staff writer was 814-946-7467.