It’s always a sad occasion when we have to say goodbye to old friends who we may never see again. Especially when such friends have meant so much to so many for generations.

Such is certainly the case with the departure from our midst of Patsy’s Pastry on Broadway, a Somerville institution that has forged a special bond with all those who have enjoyed their excellent products, socialized with the staff, and spent countless hours – and dollars – inside the doors of this fabulous establishment.

When the news broke that the Ferrigno family was hanging up its aprons and closing the doors to Patsy’s for good, a hue and cry rose up around the city of such intensity that is seldom experienced when a retail business calls it quits. It was almost as if the bakery’s loyal customers were left feeling abandoned and orphaned.

It can surely be seen as a mark of success when a public reaction like this happens. It’s as if the business could successfully continue indefinitely. How many other commercial ventures could boast of such a thing?

Although a lot of us will miss our regular Patsy’s “fix” after they’ve gone, we’re sure it’s unanimous that we all wish the family and additional staff the very best.

No matter how you slice it, one thing is for certain: it’s good to go out on a high note, and that they surely did.