Your Path to Growth
We have been serving our members and communities for over 60 years!
From Basement to Branches: UFCW Community Federal Credit Union’s History
UFCW Community Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution, but what does that mean? Instead of operating to put profits in someone’s pockets, our profits are given back to our members in the form of high savings rates, lower loan rates, and fewer fees. Our financial services are offered to you as our first priority.
As a member, you have access to a wide range of quality services and benefits. Our financial services are competitively priced and convenient.
With all of your personal banking services in one place, managing your finances is so much easier. UFCW Community Federal Credit Union makes choosing a place easy, too, with a full range of competitive services, convenient 24/7 online account access and helpful staff who always keep your financial well-being their priority.
Membership has grown to 20,000 members.
Over the Years
1956 - It’s Only the Beginning
On February 2, 1956, a dream of financial security for union workers and their families took root. With $25 each, seven members founded RCU 1687 Federal Credit Union. Dedicated to fueling the credit union’s growth, in 1966, Michael Pesta and Thomas Calaide took over and ran the credit union from Mike’s basement while working full-time! At this time, our membership was SEG (Select Employer Group) based, encompassing over 90 A&P stores, Kings department stores, and Mericle Marts. Mike went out of his way to visit these stores, meeting with all three shifts to explain the benefits of savings while helping to set up payroll deductions for members.
1970’s - Change on the Horizon
By 1972, a massive milestone was achieved when we surpassed $1 million in assets. On September 27, 1979, RCU 1687 FCU became UFCW FCU (United Food and Commercial Workers Federal Credit Union) to better reflect the evolving membership. They championed convenience, opening our first official branch.
1990’s - The 90’s All About Growth
In the 90s, Mike Pesta and Tom Calaide retired, and John Hayduk was promoted to CEO/Manager with a mission of continued growth for the credit union.
The 90s also brought a series of challenges, from litigation by outside sources regarding adding new SEG groups and members. Thanks to the USA H.R. 1151 bill, Credit Unions won this fight and were able to continue to add new SEG groups and grow their membership and assets. We continued this growth by opening branches in Hanover Township (1999), Wyoming (2002), and Kingston (2005).
2010’s - Momentous Moments and More to Come
By 2011, assets soared to $100 million, and a fourth branch opened in Pittston (2012). Throughout the years, the credit union had several mergers of small credit unions into UFCW - Friedman’s Express FCU, Pope and Talbot FCU, Painters Local 41 FCU, Mercy Hospital FCU, Operating Engineers FCU, Pittston Area High School, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and WOD Credit Union.
Recognizing the community’s needs, UFCW FCU transformed into a community-based credit union in 2015, welcoming new members that live, work, worship, or attend school across Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming Counties. The name change to UFCW Community Federal Credit Union reflected this commitment.
John Hayduk retired in 2019, passing the torch to Kimberly DeAngelo (CEO) and Karen Falcone (CFO), both with extensive experience in credit unions.
Today, UFCW Community Federal Credit Union boasts 20,000 members, $160 million in assets, and a dedicated team of 50 staff members.
UFCW Community Federal Credit Union’s story is one of dedication, service, and a commitment to empowering members and the community.