FRANK MANSI: HIS STORY, HIS WORDS

Early days

“I am from a small town in Italy called Casacalenda in the hills region of Abruzzi and Molise. I have been cutting hair most of my life. It all started when I was 13 years old. My dad wanted me to be a barber. I wanted to be a soccer player. In those days you did what you were told to do.” “In Italy, I would go to the barber shop and watch the master barber, learning how to cut hair and shave. Because I was too small to reach the barber chair, I would use a small stool to lather up the customers. Then the master barber would come to shave them. For two years, I watched and learned.”

Immigrant’s journey

“I came to this country with my family in 1956, to Cleveland. I was 15 and speaking no English. I could not barber because I was too young and had no license. During this time, I was going to night school to learn English. Come 1959, I graduated from Mollers Barber College with high honors.” “After five years in this country, I became an American citizen. Best day of my life because I wanted to be an American and vote. I love this country.”

Professional life

“I have been in my present location on East 222nd Street for 50 years. I enjoyed all the stories, jokes, sports, politics and comments from my customers. Some real, some funny, but all good. Most of them have been with me over 50 years. I am now cutting fourthgeneration customers.”

The next chapter

“I am 77 years old and in August I will be retiring for good. It has been quite a career. I want to thank all of my customers for their faithful support and dedication over the years. May God bless all of you.” “I plan to do some fishing, golfing with my grandkids and watch them grow up. Love to do some gardening. I happen to grow the biggest and best tomatoes. But my passion is to grow the best figs and play bocce in my backyard.” “P.S.: Everything is for sale. Thank you very much.”