February 2008 SUBURBAN ESSEX MAGAZINE 31

In The MarketplaceBy Kelly de la Rocha, photo by Dan Epstein

This “Doctor” Makes House CallsIf you could categorize your home as having

a design ailment, or if it’s just in need of a little facelift, then it could be worth your while to

give Alberto Del Priore, the self-named “house doctor,” a call. For a full half-century, this “doctor” has been very busy restoring area homes and businesses to the full glory of their youth. “If the house is 200 years old, I might make it look 60,” Del Priore claims. With such a long run of experience, this man is said to do amazing things with a paintbrush.

In 1957, just af-ter emigrating from Italy to the United States, Del Priore, who had worked under a master painter in his native country for many years, met Glen Ridge house painter David Harris. Th e fl edgling resident asked Har-ris to teach him the trade, whereupon he was

immediately hired at a starting salary of $8 a day. Th e new employee began to master the art of color mixing, painting and plaster work. When Harris eventually retired, the by-then seasoned employee ventured out on his own.

Alberto Del Priore Painting Company started up in a two-car garage. Today, it is housed in a

5000-square-foot ware-house. Services include exterior and interior painting, home restora-tion, structural plaster-ing, wall covering instal-lation, and deck and fence restoration. “I put an expert group together,” Del Priore says, noting that some of his em-ployees have been with him for 25 to 30 years.

“New people start at the bottom until they learn the way I like the work to be done.”

How does Del Priore like the work to be done? His answer: to perfection. “I’m an artist when it

comes to creating something special in a house,” he remarks. “Th e fi nal result is like a picture, like something on canvas.”

Th e business owner approaches each job in stages. Th e fi rst step, he says, is proper preparation. Color choice is another crucial element. Del Priore enjoys bringing the hues of nature indoors to highlight a structure’s most attractive features. And he looks forward to consulting with clients about color selections.

“I spend a lot of time with clients, especially when we’re doing the whole house,” says Del Priore. “I want the people to be happy—so the home, in the end, becomes something I’m proud of too.” Grateful for the success he has been able to build in the U.S., the house doctor is indeed proud of the business, too. “Th e country has been good to me, and I’m trying to be good to the county,” he notes. With a smile, he adds, “I help to beautify it with my painting.” ▲

Alberto Del Priore Painting Company316 Dodd Street, East Orange

www.albertothepainter.com

This “Doctor” Makes House Calls

Alberto Del Priore brings decades of skill and experience to any home renovation—large or small.