Salvatore "Chip" Cingari
U.S. Army
2018
Chip began his career in the grocery business before he could even ride a bike, working for his grandfather Salvatore Sr., sweeping floors, separating and cleaning bottles, and stocking shelves in the family's first store located in the Shippan section of Stamford.
When Chip's father Dominick opened the Neighborhood Market in Darien, Chip was one of his first employees. Then in the late '50s, Chip's father and his two brothers, Rocky and Sam, joined forces to convert the old Hueber Ice Cream Factory into the first Grade A Market, which still stands across the street from their original store.
Chip was drafted into the Army in 1966 and entered basic training at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, before assignment to Ft. McPherson, in Atlanta. Shortly after, Chip shipped off to Germany with the 3rd Missile Battalion, Nike Missile Hercules Unit, achieving the rank of Specialist 5, with Top Secret clearance. Honorably discharged in 1968, Chip rejoined the family business, married his high school sweetheart Nancy in 1969, and has managed the nonperishable side of the business ever since, which has grown to include the 11 stores which make up the ShopRite Grade A Markets.
Chip has loyally served the Connecticut Food Association as a member of the Board of Directors for over 30 years where he's acted in many different capacities like running conventions and liaising with local, state and federal officials, legislators and lobbyists. Chip's many contributions led to his selection as the first inductee in the CFA Hall of Fame.
Chip has also given much to the communities where the Grade A stores are located. He is a lifelong member of the Stamford Italian Center, where he's served as a Director for the last 15 years. He has also served in a variety of leadership roles at St Leo's Church for over three decades.
Chip enjoys travelling with his family, especially to Italy, playing golf and spending time with his children, and especially his grandchildren.
Chip resides in Stamford with his wife Nancy. His daughter Jennifer and her husband Jason Christe, along with his son Dominick and wife Lisa and their twin children, Salvatore and Sofia also live here.