Charlie Gennaro and his grandfather, Dennis, at Gennaro Liquors in Oak Lawn. (Photo by Kelly White)

For 75 years, the name “Gennaro” meant more than just the sign above the liquor store on 87th Street. It meant family.

This summer, that era quietly comes to a close.

Siblings Dennis Gennaro and JoVenna Muraskas are retiring, stepping away from the family business their father opened in 1955. The storefront at 5549 W. 87th St. will remain Gennaro Liquors in name, but for the first time in its history, someone outside the Gennaro family will hold the keys.

“It’s bittersweet,” Dennis said. “But it’s time.”

After 75 years as a family-run business, Gennaro Liquors in Oak Lawn changes ownership but keeps its name and legacy. (Photo by Kelly White)

The new owner, Amitkumar Patel, plans to keep the business running much the same. His son, Parth Patel, will manage the store day to day.

The business began as a local pharmacy, opened by Charles Gennaro, a pharmacist and Oak Lawn native. His son and daughter followed in his footsteps — not just into the pharmaceutical profession but also deciding to work in the exact store that he proudly founded.

“We’re all originally from Oak Lawn, so there was no question of where to open the family business,” Dennis said.

For decades, Dennis and JoVenna filled prescriptions, stocked shelves and watched generations of customers grow up and return with children of their own. Dennis’s grandson, Charlie, even helps at the store, when he can, stocking shelves and spending time with those he loves.

Even after they transitioned from a pharmacy to a liquor store 15 years ago, the sense of community never changed.

“We love the Oak Lawn area and the people in Oak Lawn,” Dennis said. “The village is a great place to do business. Village officials have always been extremely supportive, and our customers are great.”

There’s no farewell party planned, just a quiet retirement and the hope for some rest. Dennis isn’t sure what comes next, but Florida sounds good.

The name Gennaro will stay on the storefront. But for the family who ran it, the legacy is already written in loyalty, hard work and the multiple generations behind the register

11 replies on “After 75 years, Oak Lawn’s Gennaro Liquors leaves family hands”

  2. Congratulations on your retirement!
    Always a great place to shop and get our prescriptions filled!

  3. Congratulations on your retirement!
    Always a great place to shop and get our prescriptions filled and the kids school supplies back in the day!!

  4. I used to walk to genero drug store as a kid and by candy, and comic books in the 60s

  5. My father and mother Bob and Pat Wright knew Chuck going back to 1955. Chuck sponsored my Dad’s bowling team that bowled at the Arena lanes. I have many fond memories of Genarro’s during my lifetime. I wish Dennis and JoVenna a very happy healthy retirement.

  6. Glad for you. But sad for us. Remember when you are retired. Every day is a Saturday except for Sunday.

  7. Glad for you. Sad for us. Remember when you are retired. Every.day is a Saturday except for Sunday.

  8. Unfortunately I don’t have fond memories of Gennaro’s. I just remember Dennis berating me in front of customers when there was a glitch in the Lottery machine! He’s a very angry person, but his dad, Mr. Gennaro was kind. Hopefully Dennis has mellowed over the years!

  9. Dennis always had the answers to my questions& such a good person.. sorry it can’t stay in the family..but he sure does enjoy a peaceful retirement!

  10. Congratulations JoVenna & Dennis on your well deserved retirements. Joe & I are happy for the both of you as you start a new era of taking it easy. We will miss seeing you as Joe or myself would go almost daily & one of you would be there. It’s going to be different going there now. Our kids & grandkids & you knew them all & always asked about how they were doing & what school they were attending. I know you were extremely happy that a few of them attended college in Nebraska & now our Maddie is started PA school in Omaha the middle of August even though she wanted to go to Creighton where you went! Best of luck & just sit back & relax & enjoy life!

  11. Congratulations JoVenna & Dennis on your well deserved retirements. I began my pharmacy career as a pharmacist at Gennaro Drugs in 1970. I have many fond memories of your father Chuck and the Gennaro Family. Enjoy your retirement where every day is a new adventure.
    Best wishes,
    Joe Gloudeman

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