Chiappone's Tire Warehouse to close after nearly 50 years

Jonathon Wheeler, Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
·2 min read
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Apr. 27—WATERTOWN — Chiappone's Tire Warehouse, a north country staple for almost 50 years, will be closing its doors for good Friday.

The move to close is to allow owner Michael Chiappone, 89, and manager Joseph Roselli, 77, to retire.

They are looking to sell the business, and Mr. Roselli said they hope to have someone purchase the business and retain it as an automotive repair shop.

Mr. Roselli said that over the years they have really enjoyed their time with their customers and people who have worked at the shop.

"We felt like we're a part of the community," he said.

Mr. Roselli said Chiappone's customers "are second to none."

"That's what we're going to miss the most is our customers, and hopefully, somebody reopens this as a tire shop and they will come back and patronize it," he said. "We've been helping so many people; that's been our most important goal, because they like us, they trust us, it's been wonderful."

Mr. Roselli and Mr. Chiappone will be staying in the area.

"It's been a great ride, it's been the best, nobody could have a boss like Mike Chiappone. He's a great guy and he became a very close friend of mine, and we're very close friends," Mr. Roselli said.

Mr. Chiappone opened the business in 1974 on Mill Street before moving to its West Main Street location in 1985.

"It's been enjoyable to be part of this community," Mr. Chiappone said.

He was born and raised in the north country, and the only time he was away from the area was when he was in the Air Force.

"We have a heartfelt thank you to all of our friends and customers for their loyal patronage and support over these many years," Mr. Roselli said. He also thanked the suppliers.

Mr. Roselli said there has been talk of closing for a few years now, and they just decided that now is the right time to be able to finally retire and relax.

"We've got three families," Mr. Chiappone said. "We've got our biological family, which is No. 1 as far as family is concerned. Then we have our church family, and then we have this family. This is family."