Published August 28, 2019

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The town is mourning the loss of a beloved pharmacist who touched many lives in the community.

Village Pharmacy co-owner/registered pharmacist Brian Ambrefe passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 23.

“We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our beloved Brian,” Village Pharmacy wrote on its Facebook page.

According to Village Pharmacy’s website, Ambrefe worked at the popular town institution since 1994. He graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. He was a certified diabetes educator and previously served as president of the Massachusetts Pharmacist Association. He was a member of the American Pharmacist Association and the National Community Pharmacist Association.

BRIAN AMBREFE

Ambrefe received a number of awards over the course of his career as a pharmacist. He was named President’s Pharmacist of the Year in 2009 and was nominated as an Honorary Rotarian of the Year in 2010. He also received the Bowl of Hygeia Award in 2011 and won the Innovative Practice Award in 2002.

After Village Pharmacy announced Ambrefe’s passing on Facebook, over 600 residents paid tribute to the late pharmacist.

“So sorry to learn of this,” former Town Moderator Arthur Bourque wrote. “This is a great loss for the Ambrefe family and Village Pharmacy, and an even bigger loss for the town of Lynnfield. He was one of the most trusted people in Lynnfield. His demeanor and bedside manner were appreciated by all that knew him. So sorry.”

Russet Lane resident Kathryn Price agreed.

“Brian was the kindest person, going above and beyond for our family a number of times,” Price stated. “Our thoughts are with you and your family. I am so, so sorry for this profound loss.”

Sylvan Circle resident Debbie Cotting said Ambrefe was “a Lynnfield treasure.”

“He was kind, knowledgeable, helpful and funny,” Cotting wrote. “He greeted everyone by name and welcomed them with his wonderful smile. I hope it is of some comfort to know that the entire community is holding (the Ambrefe) family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Nanci Graf Schifino called Ambrefe’s death “heartbreaking.”

“My deepest condolences to his family,” Schifino stated. “He always made my 100-year-old mother feel like she was so special and even hand delivered her meds when delivery wasn’t available. She adored him. There’s a special place in heaven for this wonderful man.”

Hampton Court resident Heather Rose concurred with Schifino’s sentiment.

“He was one of a kind,” Rose wrote. “Caring, thoughtful and helpful. He will be missed so much.”

Board of Selectmen Chairman Phil Crawford said Ambrefe cared about the community. He recalled that Brian and his siblings installed a disposal box for unused prescription drugs inside Village Pharmacy in order to “fill a need in town.”

“On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, I want to offer our prayers and condolences to Brian’s family and everyone at Village Pharmacy,” said Crawford, who served with Ambrefe on A Healthy Lynnfield. “He was a well-respected and well liked member of the community. He will be missed very much.”

Wakefield resident Mackenzie Dolbeare worked at Village Pharmacy from 2009-2010 while she was a senior at Lynnfield High School.

“Whenever Brian was working the same shift as you, you knew you were going to have a great day at work,” said Dolbeare. “He was a fun and sweet guy. He genuinely cared about the people who came into the pharmacy.”

Ambrefe’s father, Albert, and his business partner opened their first pharmacy in Beverly in 1956 and opened their second location in Lynnfield in 1961. Albert purchased the Lynnfield location in 1965, which later became Village Pharmacy. Albert and his wife Lillian ran the town institution for many years. Brian, his brother Bob and his sister Debra have carried on their parents’ legacy.

In a Facebook post, Village Pharmacy thanked the community “for the outpouring of touching comments and love you have shown for Brian.”

“If we did not get a chance to reply directly, please know we appreciate your kind response,” the company stated. “Plans for a celebration of Brian’s life will take some time. We will post the details when complete.”

As the Villager went to press on Tuesday morning, Brian’s children Avery and Lyndon posted a joint statement on the Village Pharmacy Facebook page.

“We want to thank you again for all the love and support you’ve shown us, and for sharing your favorite Brian stories,” the siblings wrote. “We greatly appreciate your patience as we take the time to thoughtfully plan a celebration of life. In the meantime, we welcome you to tune into the River 92.5 for Sunday Brunch. Brian loved listening to this station both at home and at the store. Tune in at the 10 o’clock hour next Sunday, Sept. 1 to hear a memorial announcement for Brian, and to listen to some of his favorite music.”