Sweet Success

Ten years ago, Marie Galego Schaller ’81 treated husband Dave Schaller ’82 to a day-long chocolate-making class taught by a White House pastry chef. At the end of the day, Dave walked away with some new techniques and “about a 100 pounds of chocolate to play around with.” Thus began The Chocolate Delicacy, now a full-time candy-making operation in East Greenwich, RI.

Marie and Dave share in the candy-making. The duo crafts truffles (in flavors such as raspberry, amaretto, mocha, rum, and vanilla), nonpareils, caramels, butter crunch, and an assortment of molded chocolates and lollipops. The holidays bring the custom-order rush, and many excited customers. “People who come in to buy candy are happy people,” Marie said. “That’s what candy-makers say, and it’s true.”

Reminiscent of their days at Vassar, Marie said, when Dave sat in the back of the classroom and Marie sat up front, Dave runs the machines while Marie designs the displays and works with customers. Though they had many classes together, they never met until senior year. They have three children, Bruce (17), Alex (14), and Diana (12), who help run the busy shop. They can be reached at 800.MrWONKA!