Catholic-owned business closes

By ANGELA CAVE- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

A landmark, family-owned electronics repair shop in Albany closed its doors last month after six decades of business.

Lake Electronics Inc. was one of the first such stores in the region, having opened in 1952 as home television sets began to fill millions of American homes. In addition to TV repair, Lake Electronics was known for fixing audio equipment, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners and other appliances and electronics. The company could also accommodate requests for unique repairs, like obscure equipment for municipalities.

"We would take a chance to try to fix just about anything if we felt we had the parts," said Andy Mirabile, the business' fourth and last president and a parishioner of St. Clare's Church in Colonie.

There were 40 employees in the 1980s due to the prevalence of VCRs. The demand for repair services began to fall along with retail prices of electronics in the last few decades. The company added security camera installation to its list of services, but it didn't generate enough extra profit to stay afloat. Lake Electronics closed March 15 with 10 employees.

"It's a tough transition," Mr. Mirabile said. "It's a totally different feeling getting up in the morning and not having to go to work. It's strange."

The company posted on its website a list of recommendations for providers of similar services, but loyal customers have expressed that no other company will be the same.

"They're sort of stunned that we're gone," Mr. Mirabile said. "There are no other electronic places like ours."

Mr. Mirabile's uncle, Vincent Triolo, opened the shop; his cousin, father and other family members have led or served the company.

"We always prayed for things to work out," Mr. Mirabile said. "It's tough [closing], but you get a lot of support from friends and family. There's a lot more to this world than just making money."

Mr. Mirabile, who is close to retirement age, said he never had time to get involved with his parish: "Maybe I can now. I've been working 50 hours a week for 40 years."[[In-content Ad]]