Central Military Surplus in Pearl River Closing

When Hanna Rozza first opened Central Military Surplus in Pearl River in 1977, it was in part of what is now The Saloon.

The store shifted locations four times since then, once temporarily leaving Pearl River for Woodcliff Lake, NJ, before landing in its current spot at 25 W. Central Avenue.

The next change will not be a move but a closing. Rozza, who is retiring with her husband Phil to a home they own in New Jersey, plans to close the store, most likely by the end of the year. 

"I think 38 years is long enough," Rozza said. "I'm on oxygen 24/7. My health is not the best. I'm tired. I said enough is enough. I'm leaving. We bought a beautiful house in Toms River and I'd like to move into it."

Rozza said she has had four buyers interested, but they have not been able to get the financing. She said that she has heard from many people unhappy to see the store go and though she is anxious to retire, she will miss the people.

"It's been wonderful," Rozza said. "The people here are fabulous. It's a great community. I will probably stay online with my flags. I am a flag dealer.

"I'm getting a lot of customers who are upset with me (for closing). I feel bad. I will miss the people in the town."

Rozza said she will try to move all of the merchandise in the store before closing. Central Military Surplus is currently running a 25 percent sale on all items. 

Central Military Surplus is not the only long-time Pearl River business to close this year. Hadeler Hardware closed in February after 108 years at its location on Main Street, with Tom Clifford Martial Arts moving into its place.

Last year, Mel Liebmann was able to find a buyer to keep Mel's Army-Navy Center open even after he retired.