About – History

Ravinia Plumbing & Heating was one of the first Chicago North Shore plumbing contractors. It was founded in 1928 by Arnold Peterson, a dedicated master plumber who migrated to Highland Park from his native Minnesota in the mid-1920s. At that time, the business occupied the basement of his brother-in-law’s Hussenetter Hardware store on Roger Williams Avenue. In 1955 a new building was erected on Roger Williams Ave. in Highland Park.

In the late 1940s, Arnold was joined in the business by Joseph Ariano, a local resident and general contractor. Throughout the years, Joe built more than 200 single family homes in the area – many are still standing.

Arnold passed away unexpectedly in 1955, and Joe took over the business. In 1959 Joe’s son, Don, came into the firm. Don had a degree in aeronautical engineering, and had just been discharged from the military.

Don’s son David joined Ravinia Plumbing & Heating in 1994, representing the family’s third generation in the business. David received his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and spent time working at Ford Motor Company in its Climate Control division. Prior to working at Ford he was with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Over the years, Ravinia Plumbing & Heating has been fortunate to merge with several well-known local businesses, increasing our reach and skills.

Ravinia Plumbing & Heating Time Line:

• 1999: Acquired Murphy and Picchietti Plumbing
• 2005: Acquired Clifford Moran Plumbing
• 2008: Moved to our current location at 1580 Old Skokie in Highland Park
• 2008: Acquired DiPietro Plumbing Services
• 2012: Acquired Romitti Electric
• 2012: Acquired Mahoney Plumbing & Heating
• 2015: Acquired Bishop Heating