There never was a Richard York. And soon there will be no Richard York of Patchogue.

The 97-year-old shoe store – a downtown Patchogue institution founded by David Siegel and now owned by his grandson Richard Siegel – is closing for good.

In a kind of farewell letter in which he announced a final sale, Richard Siegel said goodbye to his customers.

“After 97 years as part of this wonderful community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce our retirement,” Siegel wrote. “We would like to thank all of our loyal customers and friends for their support and friendship over the years.”

Regarding the name of the store, Siegel said that his grandfather probably chose it just because he liked it.

“I think my grandfather liked some department stores that had people’s names on them, and I think he picked something he liked,” Siegel told Newsday earlier this year.

Siegel took over the shoe store – located just a stone’s throw from Main Street at 14 South Ocean Avenue – from his father in 1975. His son, David Siegel, is a professor of political science at St. Joseph’s University in New York and is not involved in the business.

Will be “sorely missed”

“Richard York has been a Patchogue stalwart for nearly a century and will be greatly missed,” said David Kennedy, executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is extremely grateful for their tremendous commitment to Patchogue over the course of the decade. They helped make Patchogue one of Long Island’s premier retail districts. We wish Richard Siegel and the Richard York family the best in their future endeavors.”

Richard Siegel said in his letter that he intended to liquidate “every single item” in the store with his “pension sale.” This includes all men’s, women’s and children’s shoes.

The sale includes popular brands such as Rockport, Florsheim, Easy Spirit, New Balance and Stride Rite.

Initially, the sale will only be open to “valued local customers and friends,” Siegel’s letter states. Those customers can come to the store from Thursday, August 29, through Wednesday, September 4, to participate in the sale early. The store will begin advertising the promotion a week later.

“This exclusive event is by invitation only, but you are welcome to bring a friend or relative who did not receive an invitation,” Siegel said in the letter. “You will have the first opportunity to shop and save on our entire inventory before many items sell out.”

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