Lori Belmonte is an Outstanding Woman

By David Kennedy, Executive Director

Lorice “Lori” Belmonte, long-time resident of the Village of Patchogue, is a current co-owner of The Colony Shop Children’s Specialty Store, located at 31 East Main Street. The Colony Shop is one of Patchogue’s oldest and most well-known establishments.

Founded in 1946 by Lori’s grandmother, Eloise Staudinger, The Colony Shop is well-known for providing the best children’s clothing anywhere on Long Island. In particular, The Colony Shop is Brookhaven’s go-to location for children’s specialty clothing, including children’s formal wear and religious ceremonial garments. While The Colony Shop has been in four different locations, all the locations have been within the same two-block area of Main Street in the Village of Patchogue.

Lori has been co-owner of The Colony Shop since the passing of her grandmother in 2010. She shares ownership with her aunt, and daughter of Eloise Staudinger, Lorice Fiala. Lori’s first introduction to The Colony Shop was as an 18-month old participant in their fashion show. She became employed at The Colony Shop immediately after graduating the Hewlett School of East Islip in 1975. Since then, she has risen from store clerk to store manager to her present position as co-owner.

Besides Lori’s association with The Colony Shop, she is also a very active member of the community. The Colony Shop has been a member of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce since they opened their doors. Lori has been an active member of the Merchant’s Division and currently serves as the chair of the Chamber’s Business Promotion Committee, a position she has held since 2010. She has also been an active member of the Chamber’s Waterfront Events Committee.

Lori is currently on the board in the position of Lion Tamer for the Patchogue Lioness Lions Club. Last year, she was selected as a member of the Patchogue Business Improvement District Board and currently serves as their vice president. Lori served on the Village of Patchogue’s Architectural Review Board from 2004-2013, acting as that board’s chair from 2008-2012. Lori currently resides in Patchogue and is happily engaged to Edward Mullally.

Throughout her life, Lori has demonstrated a strong commitment to her family business as well as the community at large and is certainly a deserving nominee as an Outstanding Woman of Brookhaven.