The end of a way of life - again

For some refinery workers, it's deja vu all over again.

Back in 2012, they were facing the stark reality of the end of a "way of life."

Now they are facing it again.

Back then, Sunoco decided to pull the plug on its long history in the refinery business. They said they were getting out of refinery business, and would seek buyers for two refineries, one in Southwest Philly, and the iconic facility on the banks of the Delaware River in Marcus Hook where J. Howard Pew first started the Sun business at the turn of the century.

No buyer was found for Marcus Hook and the company closed the gates forever.

A savior was found when Sunoco entered a joint venture with the Carlyle Group that kept the Philly facility open.

Until last week.

Philadelphia Energy Solutions announced it would close the refinery in the wake of a massive fire and explosion.

Once again, more than 1,000 workers - many of them from Delaware County and many of them who have been through this exercise before - are facing the end of a "way of life."

It's on today's editorial page.

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