Glasgow barber who ran his own salon for 53 years

LEGENDARY Glasgow barber Peter Vezza has died at the grand old age of 91.

The son of an Italian immigrant, Abdenigo, who arrived in Scotland with his six brothers in the 1900s, Peter started working in his father’s barbershop in the Dennistoun area of Glasgow when he was 14 years old. He opened his own shop in Woodlands Road in the 1950s.

“Every day after school my father would give a few haircuts, despite being so small he’d have to stand on a box,” says Peter’s youngest son, who is also called Peter.

In the late 1940s Peter was called up for National Service and was all set to go and fight in the Korean War… until his commanding officer at his base learnt he was a barber. “When the army found out he was a barber they realised he was more use to them cutting soldiers’ hair!” laughs Peter junior.

Peter met the love of his life, Rita, the daughter of Italian immigrants, during a trip back to Glasgow while still in the army – and the couple got married at the city’s Holy Cross parish church in 1953.

When Peter was demobbed he opened his own shop – a haircut back then cost 1/9d – and he stayed there for the rest of his working life.

After setting up home in the South Side area of Glasgow, Peter and Rita started a family and soon had four boys: Carlo, Armando, Marco and Peter. They later moved to Bishopbriggs.

“I remember going on lots of family holidays to Italy as a kid which were always a real adventure,” says son Peter.

In 2005, Peter retired as a barber – by then the family barbershop had been going 53 years – but he continued to cut hair for family, friends and some of the local priests.

In retirement Peter and wife Rita – now aged 95 and still going strong – took many a holiday to

Florida and France, and the couple were also united by a shared love for music.

In due course Peter was Nonno (grandfather) to 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren whom he doted on.

“Dad was active right to the end, playing bowls and even driving,” says Peter junior. “He was also famous for his mandolin playing, and was playing away until just a few months ago.”

Last autumn, Peter was diagnosed with pancreatic and lung cancer and passed away earlier this year.

“It was a particularly sad day for my mother because she and dad had been married for 67 years – I don’t know any other couple who were married for that long,” says son Peter.

Only 10 people were allowed to attend the funeral due to social distancing regulations at Cadder Cemetery, Bishopbriggs. But a number of family and friends were waiting at the cemetery to pay their respects. “Dad would have been touched,” says Peter.

He adds: “My father is irreplaceable. He was a loving husband to our mother, a role model to my brothers and I, and a dedicated Nonno to all his grandchildren.

“We have so many happy memories of him and he will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives.”