After decades, an independent pharmacy in Oak Park is closing its doors

Segreti Pharmacy
Center, Ken Bertini, current owner. Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Nancy Harty

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Segreti Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy in the western suburbs, is closing its doors this weekend after more than 60 years in business.

Twin sisters Laura Griggs and Lynne Kern came back here to see the pharmacy where they worked for their dad as teenagers and visit the man who bought it from him some 40 years ago.

“This is just the perfect time to stop in and wish him well and come back in one more time. And the store used to be huge when you know, when you're little, the stores’ huge.”

“I know! It’s so small now!” the sisters said.

Segreti Pharmacy
Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Nancy Harty

They also marveled at the other ways the store has changed.

“My father did not like dogs, like at all. We weren't allowed to have. We asked and we were not allowed to have a dog.”

“So to think that it evolved into a place where dogs are and they come in and get treats and do tricks for treats. And it's actually kind of funny.”

Standing next to nearly empty shelves, they swapped stories and memories with Ken Bertini. He says after their last day Saturday, he and most of his long-time staff are moving over to Sears pharmacy two miles away.

Segreti Pharmacy
Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Nancy Harty

“Which is a great thing because they’re close, they're independent. They do the same service as we did. So our elderly patients can get deliveries. Our spoiled young patients can get deliveries.”

The 77-year-old says he plans to work less eventually.

“I've been very healthy, you know, and so I've been able to do this and dedicated and dynamic enough to do it because it takes a lot of effort. It takes you away from your family.”

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Featured Image Photo Credit: WBBM Newsradio/Nancy Harty