EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Ed Vidler, the owner of Vidler's 5 & 10 on Main Street in East Aurora, has passed away.
Vidler's family announced the owner's passing on the store's Facebook page Saturday evening.
Sunday, long-time customers and East Aurora residents came into Vidler's 5 and 10 to remember the store patriarch and namesake.
"I come here frequently because I always like the atmosphere and the simple conversations with the owner," said Dave Zlaolinski.
Many people spoke of his kind heart and his infamous stories. "He always had a little fun left and right and was always busy doing something," Zlaolinski said. "He would walk up and tap me on the shoulder and say you forgot something and I’d say what and he’d say there’s gotta be something here you want."
Vidler's Manager, Billy Mest, told 2 On Your Side that those stories could sometimes interfere with work. "Hours, you could sit and talk with him and I’d say, 'Ed I gotta go to work, you’re paying me to work.'"
Local businesses like the Aurora Theater are grateful for Vidler's constant support. "Oh, he was just thrilled to see that somebody local was going to be having the theater in their hands and always was a huge supporter of the theater and all the events that I’ve been involved with here in East Aurora," said Aurora Theater Owner, Lynn Kinsella.
The five and dime store opened up in 1930, when Robert S. Vidler, Sr. opened “The Fair Store”. This past June, the store celebrated 88 years in business.
Sons Robert Jr. and Edward worked alongside their father to maintain and grow the business into the local landmark as it's known as today.
Ed Vidler was 90 years old.