Legendary department store chairman Albert Boscov has a reputation for telling it like it is.

That was the case again Wednesday when the 87-year-old with stores in the Lehigh Valley and across the region announced he has been diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

"I have pancreatic cancer and there is no cure," he said in a letter to employees of Boscov's Department Stores. "I don't have a lot of time."

Boscov, who rescued the Reading-based business when he came out of retirement in 2008 to buy it back amid bankruptcy, said the company was in good hands with his nephew Jim Boscov, the CEO and chairman.

Jim Boscov told reporters his uncle was at work Wednesday morning, reviewing advertisement layouts and copy.

Albert Boscov is a beloved and legendary figure among retailers and shoppers, known for his attention to detail and getting involved in every aspect of retail experience.

He took over the company from his father in 1950.

The future of malls in the Lehigh Valley

Boscov's employs about 8,000 and has 25 stores in Pennsylvania and 25 others spread across New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Connecticut and Ohio, according to its website.

Locally, it has stores at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township and the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall.

Boscov's announced last month that it plans to open two new stores.

In his letter, Boscov said he was grateful for the work of employees.

"I want 2017 to be our best year," he said. ""I love you all."

 

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

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