3 Generations, 1 Legacy Of Love At Warren's Edgewood Pharmacy

WARREN, NJ — The Warren community is singing the praises of Steve Castronovo and his family-run Edgewood Pharmacy.

A post on a Warren community Facebook page is getting lots of attention after a customer shared her story about how Castronovo opened the pharmacy at 11 p.m. during the snowstorm last week to give life-saving medicine to her baby.

The customer, Tressiliane Parker, said Castronovo also re-opened the pharmacy, at 62 Mountain Blvd. in Warren, to refill a critical medication for her son.

Castronovo's good deed is not uncommon in the Warren community, the customer said.

"During times when we run late (past 7 p.m.) to pick up a refill, he would offer to wait, provide home delivery or allow a neighbor to pick up our behalf," said Parker. "He is an AMAZING soul - I do not know what we would do without his assistance, care and compassion."

The modest Castronovo said he just tries to run his pharmacy like an old-fashioned business — just like his father and grandfather did before him. He gives out his home number and will drive from his home in Basking Ridge back to the store to reopen it for anyone in need.

"It's humbling to know so many people said so many nice things about us. I'm just trying to run the business the way I think it is supposed to be run. I don't think I am doing anything special," said Castronovo.

3 Generations

The pharmacy legacy began with Castronovo's grandfather Frank.

Frank was a pharmacist who opened his first drug store in 1926 on Houston Street in New York City before the family moved from Brooklyn to Watchung.

In 1962, Castronovo's father founded and opened Warren's first pharmacy called Edgewood Pharmacy. Steve Castronovo was raised in Warren and eventually took over the pharmacy in 1987.

"It's such a simple thing, I treat people the way I wish to be treated. ... Unfortunately, that it is not done that way anymore. I want to stay, in that respect, old fashioned with service," said Castronovo. "I am certain this is something my grandfather did for local residents as well."

Customer praises

After the Facebook post was shared, residents from Warren and the surrounding area shared kind words about Castronovo's efforts.

"Businesses like this are rare and becoming rarer every day. So appreciative for what they do and who they are," said one customer.

"We just moved to town and Steve was so welcoming. He gave me his personal cellphone in case of an emergency with my two small children. I will 1000% give him all my business," said another customer.

"Totally an Edgewood lover! I think we all have a story where Steve got out of bed to open up in the middle of the night for us. Wonderful business, wonderful family," said another customer.

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