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Owner Jim Ryan said the decision was difficult, but obvious. He said the increased cost of doing business, combined with a struggling local economy, were strains that became impossible to overcome.

"It's a very sad thing for us, but you get to the point where you're forced to make a choice," he said.

Ryan Motor Sales has been in the family since 1928, when Jim Ryan's father, Patrick Ryan, Sr., opened the gas station and vehicle repair shop at 426 E. Broad Street. He started the business with Frank Nietling, but eventually bought out his partner.

Over the years the shop also sold Ski-Doo snowmobiles and Home Life Saws. It had been a Sunoco station since 1958.

Ryan credited his son, Dan, for keeping the business going for the last 25 years. A graduate of Nashville Auto Diesel College, he kept up on emerging technology and guided the shop into the 21st century, his father said.

Two weeks ago the business posted signs that it was out of gasoline. Another increase in the cost of gas was the final blow that made the cost of doing business too much to bear, Ryan said.

"It was time for us to renew our contract with (Galen) Wilson (Petroleum), and the price went up again," he said. "We can't pay that kind of money, so we can't compete with the big boys."

The family has no immediate plans for the building, at 426 E. Broad Street, but speculated that the waning local business climate will make it difficult to sell the shop.

At 74, Ryan said his retirement was long overdue. He served on the Chesaning-Brady Fire Department for more than 30 years, and is a longtime Chesaning Township trustee. He said Dan, the fire department's current chief, will seek employment elsewhere.

The closure signals the end of an era for drivers who preferred to fill their tanks at a full-service gas station.

"We've had a lot of loyal customers over the years, and we thank them for their business. We have appreciated that support," he said.