The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Barber hanging up clippers after 60 years
Business was brisk and the banter was lively on a recent Thursday afternoon at Mansi’s Barber Shop in Euclid.
Bill Russ was in the chair, getting his customary highand-tight flat top from the place’s namesake, Frank Mansi.
Mansi worked his way around Russ’ head with the skill of the master barber he’s been since getting his license in 1959. He used the clippers the take down the sides and back. Then, he used comb and scissors to meticulously shape the brush cut on the top.
Russ said he’s been coming to the shop on East 222nd Street for 30 years, twice monthly, to get the same cut from Mansi.
“My wife asks me, ‘Does Frank cut every hair on the top of your head?’ I tell her, ‘Just about,’ ” Russ said, smiling.
The loyalty Russ has to the 77-year-old native of Italy isn’t unusual.
Many of Mansi’s customers have been availing themselves of his services for 30, 40 and 50 years.
Nor is it particularly noteworthy that Russ lives in Hartsgrove Township in southern Ashtabula County. Mansi has regular customers hailing from Cleveland and its eastern, western and southern suburbs.
Mike Beres, who was in the chair before Russ, grew up in Kirtland but now lives in Middleburg Heights. He said he’s been a regular since 1990.
What made this day special and a little bittersweet for Russ, Beres and the other regulars waiting for their turns in the chair is the fact days like it are down to a precious few.
Mansi, after 60 years in the business, will retire and close the shop after finishing his final cut on Aug. 4.
“We hate to see him go, but he’s earned this,” said Dave Brickman, a Willoughby Hills resident who operates a funeral home in Wickliffe.
“This place is old school. You get a great haircut and spill your guts at the same time,” Brickman added, laughing.
Mansi joined in the laughter while never diverting his eyes from Russ’ head.
“These people have been so good to me,” he said. “They’ve been so dedicated, so loyal. My customers are my friends. I’m going to miss them. I’m going to miss their stories and jokes.”
Mansi was asked how many customers he’d count as regulars.
“It’s probably between 300 and 400,” he said.
Born in Italy, Mansi joined his family in moving to Cleveland in 1956. He went to night school to learn English, got his barber’s license in 1959 and started his career at Vic’s Barber Shop in Cleveland. After stints in the Ohio National Guard and U.S. Army, he opened his own shop on Lakeshore Boulevard in Euclid. In 1968, he sold that business and opened the shop on East 222nd Street.
The history of his business and personal lives is told on the walls of the shop. There are family photos, his barber school diploma and grade sheet, the mounted head of a deer he shot while hunting in Canada and a number of mounted fish. There also are photos of the 1963 Inter-Italian Club soccer team on which he played and him kicking a 30-yard field goal at the old Municipal Stadium.
Mansi has lived in Euclid for 60 years.
Is he happier these days cutting hair or catching fish?
“Catching fish,” he answered, pausing for dramatic effect.
In retirement, he’s looking forward to spending more time with his two grown children and seven grandchildren. There also will be more time for gardening and golf.
Russ will miss his twice-monthly sessions with Mansi.
“He’s a been a great example to me, coming here
as an immigrant, learning the language and working hard his whole life,” Russ said. “He takes such pride in his profession. You can talk to him about anything.” Mansi’s Barber Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Regular cuts are $15, razor cuts are $20.