Steve V. Purcell sold Larry’s Tackle Shop Monday to Peter and Melissa Sliwkowski of Chappaquiddick. Mr. Purcell is leaving the Island to become a business manager at an orchard farm in North Brookfield. He said he has mixed feelings, both of appreciation and sadness. He said he has had a wonderful time at the store, and fishing the Vineyard with friends and customers.
Mr. Purcell bought the store in 2008, but he worked there for nearly two decades before that. “I had been on the Island six days, and Ruth Meyer, the store owner, offered me a job,” he said.
“Working for Ruth helped fund my interest in fishing,” Mr. Purcell told the Gazette in an interview done soon after he bought the business. At that time the store was closer to town at Depot Corner gas station. Later the store moved to where it is today, next to Al’s Package Store.
Mr. Purcell said he is still amazed at how he became the store owner. “I am wicked thankful for all the support I got,” he said.
The future for Mr. Purcell is exciting too. He will manage Honey Bee Orchard, a large apple and vegetable farm. “I’ll be working as a farmer and growing apples,” he said. His employer is a longtime friend he has known since high school. He will also work as a hunting guide and he will live a lot closer to his family. Mr. Purcell said he plans to return to Vineyard waters as an avid recreational angler.
He said he was deeply touched by the generosity and the fellowship given him at the store, from start to finish. He is also optimistic about the future of Larry’s Tackle Shop, founded in 1947. The new owner has the most important qualification, Mr. Purcell said.
“Peter is crazy about fishing.”
This article appears in December 19, 2014.
Good luck Steve
Same here Steve Best of luck to you.
Best of luck to you Steve. It has been a pleasure to know you over all these years. Larrys was always our first stop when we got off the ferry ,to say Hi and to stock up on the newest lures before heading out to Chappy. Appreciate the advice and always taking the time to visit and talk with me when I stopped in. Enjoy the next chapter. Hopefully we might even see you on the beach fishing for a change instead of working!
Good Luck Steve. I enjoyed the short time I’ve fished with you. You will be missed.
Steve thanks for all your help not only during fishing season but also bow season and gun season. I could always count on you for your help. Good luck to you in your future endeavors. The best to you bud!
We are going to miss you Steve…you’re a great person. Best wishes from all of us! The Fishers.
Best of luck with what is next and thanks for running a great shop.
Good luck and Godspeed to a very nice guy as he moves on to a new adventure!
Best of luck!
So another chapter starts in the history of LTS. I will miss seeing you there, Steve. My very best to you for a happy future.
Wishing you all the best Steve.
Steve, best of Luck, you have been an institution here, will miss your smiling face and honesty! Joe
Guess I can stop tying those Mohawk Poppers. Good luck on your new endeavor.
Happy hunting Steve, I am sure in no time you will know where all the best spots are.
Tight lines and a bountiful harvest!
Stevie, you gave me a job after driving you crazy that dreadful winter when I was fishing for stripers in early march! What an instantly lovable guy you were! I enjoyed working the shows with you, eating with you, watching EVERY Pats game with you, learning from you and most of all earning your friendship. You are the best and with the exception of Colin, Sandy, Don, Ashton and a relative handful of other solids (including deer men), the Vineyard did not appreciate you any where nearly as much as you deserved. F them! Hope you are lighter, happier, healthier, stronger and more contented with your new life!! Love Cowboy Say hi to Cowgirl!