Fifty-four-year-old Hellertown business Hero Electric has closed its doors after owners Robert and Victoria Hero decided to retire.

Over the years, Hero Electric has provided the community with electronics such as appliances, hobby items and accessories.

The closure was not ignored by Hellertown Borough Council. Hero Electric was honored with a proclamation from the borough, with Sept. 4 named Hero Electric day in Hellertown.

Mayor David Heintzelman read aloud the proclamation and addressed the Heros as “dedicated” and “giving your heart and soul to this community.”

In addition to his status as an important local business owner, Robert Hero frequently attended council meetings for many years. Heintzelman acknowledged his longtime presence, stating, “I don’t think you’ve missed many things at all.” Hero often sits in the same seat during council meetings. In a light-hearted moment, Council President Thomas Rieger sparked some laughs when he told Hero, “that chair will always be your chair.”

Hero Electric was originally established in 1952 on Fourth Street in South Bethlehem by Robert’s parents, Michael and Irene Hero. In 1964 the family moved the shop to 520 Main St. in Hellertown, where it remained until its closure. Previously during the turn of the century, the building housed a furniture store and funeral parlor operated by P.A. Bergstresser.

Robert began working in his parents’ business in 1971 and took over in the early 1990s.

The business has seen changes over the years, but always focusing on a personal customer friendly experience.

In recent years, with the advent of online sales and big box stores, it has become increasingly difficult for small mom and pop shops such as Hero Electric to continue. Originally the business focused on appliance sales and service, but with changing consumer habits, they eventually focused more on hobbies and electronic repairs.

The Heros recently sold the building and on Aug. 30 liquidated the contents in a public auction.