A recently retired attorney, Otto Cipolla, has turned a childhood treat into a major collecting passion—amassing 14,000 PEZ dispensers that line his walls. With some dating back 75 years, the collection offers a fascinating glimpse into six decades of candy history.
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Collecting PEZ dispensers is this retired lawyer’s guilty pleasure
Photo by Abc7
Key Takeaways:
- A retired lawyer has gathered 14,000 PEZ dispensers.
- Some dispensers date back as far as 75 years.
- This hobby has been his “guilty pleasure” for six years.
- PEZ dispensers line the walls of his office.
- His collecting passion highlights the nostalgic appeal of candy dispensers.
Introduction
Retirement often prompts people to slow down, but for attorney-turned-collector Otto Cipolla, it spelled the beginning of a surprising pastime. Cipolla’s office, once a space for legal case files, is now lined with rows of colorful PEZ dispensers—a testament to six years of enthusiastic collecting.
A Lawyer’s Hobby
As a recently retired attorney, Cipolla might not seem like your typical candy enthusiast. Yet, he proudly calls PEZ collecting his “guilty pleasure.” The contrast between the seriousness of his former profession and the playful nature of PEZ dispensers underscores why his story resonates with so many people.
75 Years of Candy History
Spanning 75 years of PEZ history, Cipolla’s assortment is more than just a mass of plastic containers. Each dispenser—from vintage designs to contemporary characters—tells its own story of evolving pop culture and candy trends. The oldest pieces serve as a bridge between nostalgic memories and modern-day collectibles.
A Towering Collection
Today, that collection numbers around 14,000 dispensers, featuring everything from limited-edition character sets to classic, timeless favorites. Onlookers can hardly miss the visual spectacle in his office—shelves upon shelves of PEZ dispensers forming a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.
| Collection Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Dispensers | Approximately 14,000 |
| Years of Collecting | 6 |
| Oldest Dispenser Age | 75 years |
The Joy of a Guilty Pleasure
When asked why he indulges in such a vast collection, Cipolla points to simple joy. PEZ dispensers stir childhood memories, and the hunt for new or unique finds keeps him engaged. The flair of bright colors and recognizable pop-culture icons brings a whimsical element to his post-legal career days.
Conclusion
Cipolla’s love for PEZ dispensers is a reminder that retirement can be filled with unexpected passions. Whether it’s the hunt for rare items or the delight of displaying them, his story proves that collecting isn’t just about objects—it’s about preserving a piece of history one dispenser at a time.
