Perry Drug founder dies

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. - Jack Robinson, founder of Perry Drug Stores, a Michigan-based regional drug chain acquired by Rite Aid in 1995, died on Tuesday, according to Crain's Detroit Business. Robinson was 85 years old. 

 

Robinson founded Perry Drug in 1957 and deveoped a chain of 225 stores with $750 million in annual sales. Perry Drug spanned across eight states and included auto parts stores and health care businesses in addition to pharmacy operations. 

 

Following the acquisition of Perry Drug, Robinson served for a time as president of Rite Aid of Michigan. Robinson was also a past chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. 

 

Robinson is survived by his wife, Aviva; children Shelby Robinson, Beth Swartz and Abigail Robinson; six grandchildren; and siblings Erwin Robinson and Frances Maggin.

 

According to Crain's Detroit Business, a funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield. Donations can be made in his memory to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit and Camp Tamarack, the publication reported.