Global Directory of Who’s Who Recognizes Robert E. Grisnik for Decades of Pharmacy Service, Military Leadership, and Community Commitment
Aug 25, 2026
Southampton, NY — The Global Directory of Who’s Who proudly recognizes Robert E. Grisnik, longtime independent pharmacist, business owner, military aviator, community leader, and retired United States Air Force Colonel, for his distinguished professional career and decades of service to the Southampton, New York community. Mr. Grisnik has owned and operated Southrifty Drugs Inc. in Southampton since April 1972. The independently owned community pharmacy has served local residents for more than five decades, providing prescription services, personalized customer care, and important community health resources. Southrifty Drugs Inc. also participates in take-back programs for both prescription medications and used needles, helping residents safely dispose of potentially hazardous medical materials. Mr. Grisnik has described himself as the last remaining independent pharmacy owner from the group of local independent pharmacies operating in the area when he first arrived.
Mr. Grisnik earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating around 1963. He began his pharmacy career with Thrift Drug Company in Pittsburgh, where he worked from approximately 1963 through 1966 before entering military service during the Vietnam-era draft period. After completing officer training and nearly a year of pilot training, Mr. Grisnik was initially stationed at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York, where he flew C-119 cargo aircraft supporting radar installations throughout the northeastern United States and Canada during the Cold War. He was later deployed to Vietnam, where he was stationed in the Saigon area and flew gunship and combat-support missions throughout South Vietnam and along the Mekong River. During an approximately 11-to-12-month deployment, he flew an estimated 213 combat missions, supporting U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine personnel. Mr. Grisnik also recalled flying the first mission into Cambodia associated with his unit’s operations and noted that his aircraft carried approximately 40,000 rounds of ammunition per mission in support of combat operations. Following approximately six years of active-duty Air Force service, he continued his military career with the New York Air National Guard, ultimately earning the designation of command pilot and retiring at the rank of Colonel in 1995.
Beyond his pharmacy and military careers, Mr. Grisnik has devoted decades to civic and community service in Southampton. For approximately 40 years, he worked with the Southampton Fourth of July Parade, originally through the Combined Veterans Association and now through the Fourth of July Parade Committee. He also recently completed a remarkable 40-year term as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Tuckahoe Common School District, demonstrating a sustained commitment to local education and public service. In addition, Mr. Grisnik is responsible for coordinating Memorial Day and Veterans Day services in Southampton, continuing his dedication to honoring fellow veterans and preserving the community’s military traditions. Through more than half a century as a pharmacist, decades of military leadership, and extraordinary long-term civic involvement, Mr. Grisnik has built a legacy of service to his country and community. The Global Directory of Who’s Who is honored to recognize Robert E. Grisnik for his exceptional contributions to pharmacy, military service, business leadership, education, veterans’ affairs, and the Southampton community.
About Robert E. Grisnik
Robert E. Grisnik, is a longtime independent pharmacist, business owner, military aviator, community leader, and retired United States Air Force Colonel.
Name: Robert E. Grisnik
Phone: (631) 283-1506
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Global Directory of Who’s Who Recognizes Robert E. Grisnik for Decades of Pharmacy Service, Military Leadership, and Community Commitment