Published October 30, 2019
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — It’s the end of an era.
In a surprising turn of events, the people at Village Pharmacy announced this week that the town institution will be closing its doors on Thursday, Nov. 7. Village Pharmacy’s upcoming closure comes two months after co-owner/registered pharmacist Brian Ambrefe passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 23.
“It wasn’t an easy decision and it wasn’t something we wanted to happen,” said Village Pharmacy co-owner/registered pharmacist Bob Ambrefe in an interview with the Villager. “The memories of my brother passing away in the store made it very difficult for us to continue.”
In addition to dealing with the emotions surrounding Brian’s unexpected passing, Bob said changes in the health care industry played a role in the decision to close Village Pharmacy.
Albert Ambrefe and his business partner opened their first pharmacy in Beverly in 1956 and opened their second location in Lynnfield in 1961. Albert purchased the Lynnfield location in 1965, which later became Village Pharmacy. Albert and his wife Lillian ran the town institution for many years before Bob, Brian and their sister Debra took over the family business.
“We did the best we could to continue our parents’ legacy,” said Bob. “I started working with my dad when I was 10 years old. We thought it would continue forever.”
Village Pharmacy’s unexpected closure will leave the town without a pharmacy. In addition to filling residents’ prescriptions and assisting customers with various health care needs, Village Pharmacy employed hundreds of local teenagers and sponsored community events, sports teams, school productions and the annual Junior Post Prom celebration over the years.
“We are honored to be able to give back to our local community,” Village Pharmacy wrote on its website.
Village Pharmacy is also highly respected by medical professionals and organizations.
“I have not worked with a better pharmacy,” Jane Metrano, RN and director of resident care at The Herrick House in Beverly, stated on Village Pharmacy’s website.
Bob thanked the Lynnfield community for supporting Village Pharmacy for over 50 years.
“Village Pharmacy was a huge part of the community and we feel horrible that we have to close,” said Bob. “We are very thankful for the town giving us the opportunity to provide pharmacy services. We have over 50 years of blood, sweat and tears with the town of Lynnfield. We have been there during the ups and downs. We appreciate that over 700 people attended Brian’s celebration of life. Nov. 7 will not be a happy day for us.”
Village Pharmacy is the second town institution to close in the past year. The Bali Hai Restaurant closed its doors last New Year’s Eve after previously serving Chinese and Polynesian cuisine and drinks since the 1950s.
