Friends of Dolphin Bookshop Bid Farewell to Beloved Longtime Owner

“Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting,” penned J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. 

But it's hard to imagine that Port Washington will ever forget Patti Vunk. For 42 years she and her family owned the Dolphin Bookshop on Main Street which turned a page on a new chapter of its storied existence last week. 

It's been 30 years since Vunk took over the store from her mother, Dorothea, who bought the shop in the 1970s. This past weekend, decades of bittersweet goodbye's were seen, felt and heard as friends and longtime customers streamed to the storied Port Washington landmark to say so long to Patti, who recently sold the store to move closer to family members.

Visitors Saturday and Sunday wrote goodbye letters and posted favorite memories in a journal provided by Vunk, who was on hand providing a big supply of hugs to many who wished her well.

"It is with a sad, yet lighter, heart that I leave you all. You have brought joy and love to my life and a richness which money can never buy," said Vunk on the Dolphin website. "The time has come to let go and move on. So, I am turning the wheel over to Judith Mitzner, who has worked for the Dolphin, and understands what a unique and special place it is. She is excited to continue the journey and steer this wonderful entity into a new era of adventure and, with all of your help, prosperity." 

The new owner said Vunk will be missed.

"To me, she is the store," said Mitzner. "She's been a part of it as long as I've know it. She and the store are an institution."

Mitzner, who took over ownership of the independent book store last Wednesday, said her desire is to continue and strengthen its wonderful qualities.