In a city known for its hills, history, and tech innovation, a quiet corner of San Francisco is about to lose a piece of its heart.
Central Drug Store, a cherished family-run pharmacy that’s served the community for over a century, is officially closing its doors this Tuesday—ending a remarkable 117-year run.
Owner Jerry Tonelli Chooses Family Over Business
The decision didn’t come from financial trouble or corporate takeover.
Instead, owner Jerry Tonelli is simply ready for retirement. After decades behind the counter, he’s looking forward to a slower pace.
“It’s just time,” Jerry shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“Time for us to move on, to be with our families and enjoy the next chapter.”
A Family Legacy Rooted in Community Care
The pharmacy has been a fixture at its current San Francisco location since 1918, but the Tonelli family’s journey began when Jerry’s father, Dino Tonelli, started working there in 1949.
A World War II veteran and UCSF pharmacy school graduate, Dino took over the store and ran it with his wife, who first began working there as a teenager.
Jerry stepped into his father’s shoes in 1978 after Dino passed away.
He ran the store alongside his brother Paul and other family members, keeping the family business alive even as massive chains like Walgreens and CVS popped up around them.
More Than Just Medicine – A Lifeline for the Community
Over the years, Central Drug Store became far more than just a pharmacy.
Locals came in for everything from prescriptions to perfume, and they left with more than they came for—whether it was advice, comfort, or just a friendly face.
Jerry recalls helping people who couldn’t afford to see a doctor.
“A lot of folks from overseas come in without insurance,” he said.
“They’d ask for help, and we’d do what we could with over-the-counter meds.”
Customers Share Their Memories and Gratitude
The announcement of the store’s closure has sparked an emotional outpouring online.
Former customers are sharing decades-old memories and tributes.
One longtime shopper reminisced about Saturday visits with her mom in the 1950s, strolling the aisles and picking up essentials.
Another recalled how her favorite part was chatting with Silvana at the makeup counter.
And then there’s Fran Colombo, who’s been coming to Central Drug Store for 50 years.
She remembered how Jerry once walked her husband to his car—a small act that meant the world. “They always made us feel seen,” she said.
Now, with the store closing, she wonders how others will cope. “What about the people who aren’t tech-savvy? Who just want to walk in, talk to someone, and pick up their medication?”
Independent Pharmacies Struggle in a Changing Industry
Jerry voiced concern for the future of independent pharmacies.
He’s seen how giant corporations have squeezed out the little guys—and yet, ironically, those same giants are now struggling, too.
Rite Aid, once a powerhouse with over 5,000 stores, filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and again in 2025.
They’re now planning to shut down completely. Meanwhile, CVS has plans to close 900 stores by the end of 2024.
Even Walgreens has announced cuts—1,200 closures, including 450 this year alone.
It’s a chaotic time for the pharmacy world.
But Jerry, after nearly five decades of service, won’t be part of that race anymore.
A New Chapter Begins for Jerry Tonelli
So what’s next for the man behind the counter? Jerry plans to enjoy retirement by doing the things he loves—playing golf, spending time with his loved ones, and giving back through volunteer work at hospitals or shelters.
While San Francisco is saying goodbye to a trusted institution, it’s also celebrating the incredible run of a business built on trust, family, and a genuine care for others.
As customers walk through those doors one last time, they’re not just losing a pharmacy—they’re saying farewell to a neighbor.