'The Town Rallied Around Us': Ridgefield Business To Close After Over 25 Years

RIDGEFIELD, CT — After more than a quarter-century behind the counter at one of Ridgefield’s most cherished fixtures, Ed and Sue Karvosky are ready to turn the page. The longtime owners of Bissell Pharmacy & The Loft at Bissell’s have announced they’ll be stepping back to spend more time with family — and to enjoy what Ed calls “yet another chapter” in their lives.

Ed Karvosky, who began his career as a pharmacist in 1973 alongside his brother at Ridgefield Pharmacy, said he’s been blessed to do what he loves in the community he loves. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” he reflected on Facebook, quoting Steve Jobs — a sentiment that has defined his career for more than 50 years.

When the opportunity to purchase Bissell Pharmacy at 23 Governor Street came along in 1999, Ed and Sue knew it was something special. What they didn’t know was how deeply intertwined their family and business would become with Ridgefield’s own story.

Then came 2005 — the year a devastating fire tore through Bissell Pharmacy and Gail’s Station House. What might have ended things elsewhere instead became a testament to Ridgefield’s spirit. The Karvoskys rebuilt, first operating out of the basement of Craig’s Jewelry before settling into their current home. “The town rallied around us,” Ed said. It was not the end of the story — it was the start of a new one.

Since then, Bissell Pharmacy has served generations of Ridgefield families — watching kids grow up, go off to college, return as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and parents. “It is a mini-Homecoming with every return visit," Ed said.

Now, the couple says it’s time to savor more moments with their growing family — especially their grandchildren. Still, Ridgefield will have one more chance to share in the warmth of The Loft at Bissell’s, which will reopen for the holiday season on Nov. 10.

“We can’t thank you enough for your friendship, loyalty and Trust these many years.,” Ed and Sue wrote to the community on social media. “We couldn’t have imagined just how blessed we would be by this town and its neighbors.”