I know people read my blog from around the country, so you may not be aware of my geography. I live in a small town that was once rural but is now semi-suburban Detroit. I live "in the village" meaning that my house is in the oldest part of town. (Our house dates to 1871)
One of the long time institutions of Romeo is just across the street from our house… Fred’s Market.
Here’s a story about the retirement of the store’s owner, Paul Ruggirello. Paul is a fine man. He knew Kristen and I before we even moved in. I went in and introduced myself shortly after buying the house and Paul said, "So, you are Mr. McLane. I understand you are a man of the cloth." We’ve had many good chats and I will miss his companionship. There have been many times we’ve had a party and I’ve dashed across the street to pick up a last minute item. He is one of the few places in the world who offers store credit… and he’s even offered me the keys to the shop "just in case" I needed something. Truly, there are few men like this in America today.
Paul has assured me that the family who has bought Fred’s shares his values. Paul has had many opportunities to expand the store and make it less "family based." Sure, it’s a liquor store. Sure, he sells lottery tickets. She he sells his fair share of cigarettes. But he has never taken advantage of people. He’s just your friendly, helpful, humble, store owner. I hope that the new owners are at least a shadow of Paul.
He will be missed. I know its odd, but Paul and Fred’s Market are one of the great assets to our neighborhood and I will miss his presence.
If you are in Romeo in the next few days, drop in and thank Paul for his service to this community.
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