The World’s Oldest Barber

The Guinness Book of World Records has just about every topic you can think of in it, but have you ever seen the topic on the “World’s Oldest Barber?” The book begins by announcing that Anthony Mancinelli was born on March 2, 1911 and has led a very interesting and busy life. Mancinelli to this day remains an active professional barber at Antonio and Pasquale Barber Shop in Vales Gate, New York. The Guinness Book wrote their piece on Mancinelli on May 28, 2012 and at that point he was 101 years 2 months and 26 days old.

Mancinelli began his career as a barber when he was just the tender age of 12 years old, when Calvin Coolidge was in the White House. Mancinelli told the NY Times that when he began cutting hair the cost for a haircut and a shave was only two bits, which was equal to a quarter. Good luck trying to find a haircut and shave for anything less than $10 now, especially in New York. Although prices have gone up Mancinelli still only charges his customers $12 for a cut and shave, and it must be a good deal because even at his ripe old age Mancinelli sees 25-30 customers per day!

According to Mancinelli the best part of his job as a barber is the conversation, he loves talking and interacting with people in general, and seeing 25-30 customers a day I am sure he has some interesting stories he has gathered over the years. A recent customer Mr. Mugnano has said that Mancinelli is like a “walking history book,” and at 104 years old it is easy to see how this comparison can be made.

It really is amazing the health of Mancinelli as well, he has never worn glasses, still makes it to work and still cuts his own hair even, I hope when I am 104 years old I am as mobile and aware as this man is. Mancinelli has told those who ask that his secret to a long life is eating well and staying away from smoking and drinking, what good advice.