STONINGTON, Maine – Six months after local pharmacist Doug Edinger died on Oct. 16, 2025, the Island’s only pharmacy is permanently closed. Edinger’s family planned to sell the business as-is, in the hopes of keeping the essential healthcare service available to Islanders.
Edinger was a pharmacist on the Island for more than 20 years. When he died suddenly in October 2025, a hand-written sign announced Seaside Pharmacy was closed temporarily. A sign on the door from Edinger’s family now reads, “Seaside Pharmacy will sadly, be permanently closed. We sincerely thank you for your business and loyalty over the past 21 years. We have loved being a part of your lives.”
Doug Edinger’s widow, Linda Edinger, said a monthslong search for a new pharmacist has yielded nothing. Under state law, Seaside needs a licensed pharmacist to continue operating. When no one came through, Edinger said her hands were tied.
Linda Edinger said the six months following her husband’s unexpected death have been “an emotional roller coaster” for the family as they grieve and try to restart an essential service. Linda, perhaps more than anyone, knows how important the Seaside Pharmacy was to the already frayed web of healthcare services on the Island.
With Seaside closed, the nearest pharmacies are at Hannaford and Walgreens in Blue Hill.
Seaside was an independent, family run operation. Linda said her family intends to sell Seaside’s School Street building—a converted restaurant—as a “move in ready” pharmacy.
“I’m hoping to find somebody who embraces this awesome island,” Edinger said.
