The Marcella name has been involved with the Appliance business since the 1940’s, when John’s father started his retail business. A graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School he used his extensive music training on the Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute and entered the Military, and was a member of West Point Band. After his Army Service he worked with his father until 1968 when opened his first location in Rotterdam Plaza. In the mid 70’s he moved to upper Broadway, then to Duane Avenue near Watt Street, other locations, and eventually consolidated and expanded operations at the 735 Crane Street location as JOHN D. MARCELLA and SON APPLIANCES, INC., which includes his son Mark Marcella, who manages Operations for the Business. Over time that location has been expanded, buildings added and renovated, departments remodeled and expanded, and new products from over 30 brands. Specialty boutique brands to basic appliance have been introduced as they became available.

As many other businesses left Mt. Pleasant area, two years ago John acquired a 9,000 square foot location on Karner Road. Because of customer concerns, it was time for a decision going forward. Rather than leave Schenectady, the opportunity to participate in a Metroplex – Schenectady County Redevelopment building on Broadway, less than a mile from the Crane Street location presented the ideal option. The location on Broadway is very exciting because of the additional people who will come to the area because of expansion and development of the neighborhood.

Among the many citations and honors that John and his business have received, his most exciting ones were the years that his business was listed in Twice Magazines annual Report of the “Top 100 Major Appliance Retailers in the US” (which included chain stores as well as independents), particularly in the past two challenging years.

John has 5 children, 11 Grandchildren, and is proud to be entrepreneur in Schenectady.