Local repair shop closes after 82 years

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A local repair shop is closing its doors after more than 80 years in the Youngstown community.

There’s an old saying about a family business that says the people should always be a priority –and for 82 years, the folks at O’Connor’s Sales and Service lived it.

“There’s some good people here let me tell you,” said manager Ron Brownlie.

Brownlie has been behind the counter for 46 of those years.

“We have our loyal customers believe me. I’ve had them come in the few weeks when they heard we were closing — you stand at the counter and the customer starts crying,” he said.

Owner Don O’Connor isn’t around much these days — he’s set to celebrate his 93rd birthday on September 1 — but the shop is still very much a part of him.

“He tells everybody I’m his son. And I’m not. If it was up to him he’d be here seven days a week. It was his life,” said Brownlie.

Don O’Connor’s father and brother founded the store as O’Connor’s Sweepers back in 1938 and it’s been at its current location on Market Street since 1942.

While some of their products and services have changed over the years, there’s one thing that hasn’t.

“I don’t care if it takes a little longer. I want the customer to be happy when they go out the door,” Brownlie said.

But as of August 14, the shop has closed, ending a decades long run of service in Youngstown as everyone moves into retirement.

“It was tough. It just came on all at once. We’ve talked about it over the last six months but within the last month is when it really hit me,” said Brownlie.

Now that the shop is quiet and empty. It’s those loyal customers making the shop hum that he will miss the most.

“Especially during the holidays, ‘Oh, I’ve got to have it tomorrow.’ I said okay we’ll see what we can do. And then they’ll bring in a cake. I got a pie the other day. I get cookies — like I need them. They’re good people around here.”

After taking service calls and filling orders, Brownlie’s to-do list is looking pretty empty in the near future.

“I’m going to enjoy life. I’ve seen different relatives work all their life and they’re gone. I’m going to see what retirement is like.”

After so many years of hard work, it’s a task he’s looking forward to.

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