After 79 years in business, McNeil Jewelers Owners Patrick and Jim McNeil announced their store closure and Retirement Sale located at 25 Broad Street in Norwich. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH - After 79 years in business, McNeil Jewelers Owners Patrick and Jim McNeil announced their store closure and Retirement Sale located at 25 South Broad Street in Norwich.

"There comes a time in life where you ask yourself, Do you want to continue doing what you're doing or do you want to just take a step back and enjoy life?"said Patrick McNeil. "Because life is awfully short,"

He said the decision was a difficult one but after almost eight decades they found it time to head out to new adventures.

"We're getting to the age where our eyesight isn't as good anymore, our hands aren't quite as good anymore and it takes a little bit longer to do things than it used to," said Patrick. "We figured, let's enjoy what we have left because we don't know what tomorrow's going to bring."

"Timing is everything," said Patrick's brother Jim McNeil. "We're retiring because we want to, not because we have to."

Jim said the store was founded by their father in 1946 and he and his brother have enjoyed serving the community together for over 50 years, playing a part in engagements, anniversaries, birthdays and many occasions. They are filled with gratitude and fond memories as they look back over the years in business.

Patrick said they have so many stories but one that comes to mind is when someone brought in their grandfather's pocket watch, broken and in need of repair.