Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro recently honored Vito Fulciniti who recently retired from the barbering industry after 50 years of service to his clients.

Mr. Fulciniti immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1969 and worked in construction, but knew his passion was barbering. Shortly thereafter, he began working as a barber which led to his employer selling the shop to him. At the time, Mr. Fulciniti didn’t fully understand the English language, but he could understand what people wanted—he learned more about the language from working as a barber and was forced to use it every day.

Mr. Fulciniti’s original barber shop was located on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo and moved across the street into a former barber shop that was vacant—it was at this location that Vito the Barber would operate for the next several decades.

Vito Fulciniti said, “I have lived the American Dream, taking pride in being my own boss, working consistently long hours and enjoying every minute of it. Getting to America was tough, it was worth the wait though. Everything worked out for me. It’s funny—the first customer that I ever had, from day one, his name is Michael Martin and he turned out to be the last customer that I ever had when I closed the shop. If that doesn’t tell you about my experience in Buffalo.”

Legislator Todaro said, “Congratulations to Mr. Fulciniti on his retirement! There is no doubt in my mind that he will be missed in the community-50 years in the barbering industry is an incredible accomplishment that needs to be celebrated. I wish you well in the next chapter of your life.”