The largest independently owned pet-store in America will close more than 70 stores throughout the state.

Petland Discounts, the popular family pet store in the tri-statea area, filed the notice with the state department of labor just two weeks after owner, Neil Padron, died from a battle with bladder cancer earlier this month. 

Padron grew up in Queens and opened the first Petland Discounts  in Glen Oaks, Queens 54 years ago. He  grew his business with more than 100 locations and was inducted into the Pet Industry Hall of Fame in 2003.

According to state filings, the retailer plans to close 70 stores, 60 of which are in the five boroughs.

Nearly 400 hundred employees will be laid off.

The stores are scheduled to close by April 18.