A shared love for the betterment of the Olean community is something that Louis and Patricia Magnano will always be remembered for.
Louie and Pat - as they were known to family and friends – were lifelong residents of Olean, New York.
Louie, a respected business leader, played an integral role in many charitable organizations.
Louie was the owner of Blue Bird Coach Lines Inc., the largest privately-owned motorcoach company in New York State and one of the top 100 private companies in Western New York prior to selling the company in 1998 to Coach USA.
As president and CEO of Park Centre Development – the area’s leading real estate and development company – Louie sought to beautify the community while also developing industrial plazas, parks and corporate buildings.
Pat, a devoted philanthropic leader in the community, shared Louie’s love of service. She served as past president for both the Boardmanville Elementary School PTA and the Ladies Golf Association at Bartlett Country Club.
As a businessperson, Pat owned and operated Cameo Clothing Store for Women in Olean. Following Louie’s passing in 2011, Pat proudly assumed the role of President and CEO of Park Centre Development Inc.
Through their philanthropic endeavors, the Magnanos made their mark as one of Olean’s most giving families. They made landmark contributions to Olean General Hospital, St. Bonaventure University, Jamestown Community College, City of Olean, the ReHabilitation Center (now Intandem), the Olean Family YMCA, William O. Smith Recreation Center and many other businesses.
Their generous spirit and dedication to helping others were defining characteristics of their lives.
The scholarship fund, established through the generosity of Park Centre Development, Vicki Blessing and Louie and Patricia’s daughter, Gloria, supports an annual scholarship for graduating students of Olean High School who are in good academic standing and plan to pursue an education in a business-related field of study at any 2- or 4-year institution.
“Louie and Patricia were pillars of our community, always putting others first and working behind the scenes to improve the lives of those around them,” said CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus. “This scholarship is a fitting tribute to their memory, ensuring that their spirit of generosity and commitment to education will live on through the students who receive this award.”
The scholarship made its first award in 2024 and will continue for many years to come, honoring the legacy of two business and philanthropic pioneers.
Donations can be made to the Louis A. “Louie” and Patricia Magnano Scholarship Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union Street, Suite 203, or online at cattfoundation.org
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
