Legendary Barber Anthony Mancinelli: A Century of Style and Craftsmanship at 108
Anthony 'Tony' Mancinelli, the last living representative of traditional barbering culture, closed an era by never letting go of his scissors until his last breath. Starting his career at the tender age of 12 in 1923, Mancinelli pursued his profession without interruption for a staggering 96 years, etching his name in the Guinness World Records as 'the oldest working barber in history.'
Born in Italy in 1911 and immigrating to the United States at a young age, Mancinelli's barber chair served almost as a time capsule.
Throughout his career, the seasoned barber, who has seen 18 U.S. presidents come and go, has witnessed everything from the days when a shave cost 10 cents during the Great Depression of the 1930s, to the modern-day New York haircuts priced at 19 dollars. Starting his craft in the 1920s with mechanical machines and soap lathers, he has successfully transitioned into the technology of the 21st century and evolving fashion trends.
Mancinelli, who lost her spouse 38 years ago, never contemplated retirement despite her advanced age.
The legendary figure, who continued his work at the 'Fantastic Cuts' salon in New Windsor for five days a week, drove his own car until he was 100. He had the same response to his family's persistent suggestions of retirement: 'Working is the best therapy.'
In May of 2019, months before his 108th birthday, Mancinelli gave his last customer a haircut. He expressed that he had never experienced a serious illness in his lifetime. According to his family, he only mentioned feeling 'tired' in his final days. Mancinelli, who passed away just a week after his last haircut, left behind a formidable record and a story that spans a century.
Securing a seat in Mancinelli's chair was no easy feat; appointment schedules were booked solid weeks in advance.
People were coming from out of state not just to get a haircut, but to exchange a few words with this living history that had firsthand experience of the changes over the decades, who had even shaved soldiers returning from World War II. In his own words; 'Even though techniques may change, people always seem to complain about the same things.'
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