“I have for you, plans to bring about the future you
hope for." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
When 8-year-old Anthony Mancinelli’s
family emigrated from Italy in 1919, Woodrow Wilson was president, Edsel Ford
was Chairman of Ford Motor, and the Treaty of Versailles officially ended
WWI. A trip to the barbershop cost 2
bits (15¢
for a haircut; shave 10¢); and barbers used leeches to reduce swelling and high
blood pressure.
With his father, a felt worker, supporting a family of 9 on just $25 a week, young Anthony began delivering morning
newspapers for a penny a paper. After
school, he delivered the late news, and then spend a few hours cleaning a local
barber shop.
One day he begged the owner to teach him the trade and
soon 12-year-old Anthony began cutting hair as an apprentice. He opened his own shop in 1930 with 2 chairs
... and worked them both.
Just weeks after finally calling it a career after 96 years
of cutting hair, Anthony Mancinelli passed away in his Newburgh, NY home
at the age of 108.
It's been said that if you do what you love, you'll never
work a day in your life. “There was no
one part of cutting hair he'd call his favorite,” his son recalled. “He just loved his job."
Mancinelli retained a slim build, a steady hand and a full
head of snow-white hair throughout his Guinness-World-Record-setting
career. Customers praised him as a
gentleman, an engaging conversationalist, and a ‘damned good barber.’ Even in
his final years he spent long hours on his feet, in a pair of well-worn, black
leather shoes.
His remarkable health baffled doctors. He took no medications, never wore glasses
and exercised only modestly. When pressed, Mancinelli would cite his love for his
work and avoiding smoking, drinking, and television. “Only one man knows the secret - the Man
above. He chose me; I don't know why.”
Up until his death, he’d drive to work each day, always
stopping at the cemetery to honor his parents and his beloved wife, Carmella,
who preceded him in death after 69 years of marriage.
He loved America, having served
in WWII and honorably discharged. “It's
up to every person,” he stated, “to learn a trade, to do something to make
things better for themselves and their country.”
Everywhere we look today, we’re surrounded by consumerism
and cultural traditions telling us to get lazier and more comfortable. That’s a big fat lie! More satisfaction comes when you work hard
and contribute to your community. We
have the potential to demonstrate a youthful spirit at any age, especially when
complaints, excuses, and rationalizations start to creep in.
Rest peacefully Mr. Mancinelli – you earned it, and thanks
for your example.
Dear Lord, thank You for so many blessings. Thank You for the lives we’ve been graciously
given, and help us to use our limited time for good. Help us to pursue our lives to their fullest. Remind us that living for You is the only path
to true fulfillment. Amen
