Nyack honors longtime pharmacist Jerry Koblin with street dedication
Community members gathered in Nyack to dedicate Park Street in honor of Gerald “Jerry” Koblin, the longtime pharmacy owner whose commitment to customers helped sustain a family business that began more than 90 years ago.
While the number of pharmacies continues to decline, one Rockland County business has stood the test of time.
Koblin’s Pharmacy in Nyack is embracing the Halloween season, temporarily displaying “Goblin’s” on its exterior, while continuing a legacy rooted in the community for more than 90 years.
That legacy was celebrated Tuesday afternoon when community members gathered to honor longtime owner Gerald “Jerry” Koblin by dedicating Park Street in his name.
Koblin died in December at the age of 88 after battling a long illness.
Jerry Koblin took over the pharmacy from his father, who purchased the business in 1934.
“He would go above and beyond. We would do extra deliveries. People, you know, who couldn't afford things. I was running deliveries at all times of the night,” said Melissa Redfern, Koblin’s daughter.
Family members and longtime customers said Koblin’s success was built on caring for others.
“He was so sincere about his help for the community,” said Guy Gebbia, of Nyack.
“He was always a very devoted individual who cared about pharmacy very, very much,” said Anthony Ciarletta, the president-elect of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (PSSNY).
Ciarletta, who owns several pharmacies in Westchester and knew Koblin personally, said Koblin’s customer-focused approach helped define his success.
He shared that this is a time when many pharmacies, both big and small, are closing because of rising costs and low insurance reimbursements.
“When they come into a pharmacy, you treat them with respect, you answer their questions. They come back,” Ciarletta said.
Although the business now has new ownership under Karan Kharawala, he says he is keeping the legacy alive.
“I have big shoes to fill for Jerry Koblin. He obviously did a lot for the community,” said Karan Kharawala of Koblin’s Pharmacy. “I'm here to bring something new to it but still honor the traditions and values he brought to the place.”
