Who is Alfio Marullo from The Winter of Our Discontent and what is their importance?

Marullo owns the store where Ethan works. He is older than Ethan, and wealthy. Marullo does not appear to have any family or friends in the town, and has been in America for over twenty years. Marullo came to America with high hopes, but over the years has turned cynical and disillusioned about his dreams. When Ethan advises him to go home to Sicily, Marullo begins changing. He is kind to Ethan, who hates him for being successful where Ethan has failed.