Robert Runge retires from Herrington’s among many friends

MILLERTON — More than 20 years after he walked up Dutchess Avenue to apply for work at Herrington’s hardware store in Millerton, Robert Runge toasted his retirement from that very well-known and very busy business among friends and family at a community celebration on Friday, June 10.

Runge started working at Herrington’s on Sept. 7, 1994. When asked why he applied to work there,  he simply said, “I was in the business.”

Before working at the family-owned Herrington’s, Runge worked for Bristol A C Lumber & Supply Corp.

When that company announced it was going out of business, he went up the street to Herrington’s at 11 Dutchess Ave. in Millerton, where he soon secured a job.

Reflecting on his 28 years at Herrington’s, Runge shared his joy working with customers and “helping them with their projects and their dreams.”

Just as he’ll miss those interactions, Runge will be missed by those who had the pleasure of being served by him and working with him, and just seeing him around the popular store.

“He was the best, is the best, customer service person that I know,” said Herrington’s owner Ed Herrington, “and he always had the ability to mentor young employees and fellow workers to follow a growth path in their careers.

“On top of all that, he’s a great human being,” Herrington continued. “Everything he touched, he made better. He’s a team player. Whatever he undertook, he was successful at it. He always had the company at heart.”

The retirement celebration for Runge was in the Millerton Yard behind Herrington’s from 2 to 5 p.m. on the 10th. Along with spending some quality time with the man of the hour and congratulating him on his retirement, local residents and loyal customers savored time under the summer sun while nibbling on sandwiches, shrimp, chicken wings and other appetizers. Smiles were plentiful and spirits were high as Runge greeted every well-wisher with the same kindness and friendliness he’s been known for for nearly 30 years.

“He makes the business — people like this guy,” said Marilyn Herrington, a friend of Runge’s. “You can’t survive without him.”

Runge said the celebration on coincided with his final day at Herrington’s. Regarding his retirement plans, Runge’s wife Dawn said with a laugh, “Once he gets through the list I have prepared for him, we are planning to do a bit of traveling. Route 66 is calling our name.

“The roads less traveled is what we’re looking for, and all that there is to see and find [we hope to see].”