WWII, came and left and the reconstruction was immense. At home in Italy, children had to pick a trade, or profession to learn during elementary school.

Before reaching the age of 10 it was pretty well known what you would be doing for the rest of your life. I began my trade as a barber when I was 8 yrs old, and by age 13 developed into an advanced apprentice. My best friend was called away for his military service and knowing I wasn't to be called for a couple of years left his barber shop in my careful hands. By the youthful age of 16, I had managed my first barbershop in Augusta, Sicily.

It was not long until my turn for the draft was close. When my friend returned from his tour I gave him back his barbershop with more clients and in better condition than when it was left to me.

My military tour was here and I departed. I quickly found myself on cutting hair on a ship with a crew of 300. That meant plenty of hair to be maintained. As the new barber of the ship, I quickly made many friends. The time that the other sailor spent with me was enjoyable time. I made it so. Laughter, music, and conversation filled my barber galley, as men were happy to wait sometimes one hour for a trim. By the end of my tour, I had accumulated a large calling of friends and had become well revered as the premier barber. At only 21, I couldn't have felt happier about my new position, and decided it was time to have a shop of my own.

I left the service on April of 1962. In May of the same year, I opened my own barbershop in Augusta, Sicily, until 1970.

I immigrated to the United States of America, October 3, 1970 and started work at the Non-Commission Office, NCO, barbershop. On May 1994 the Fort Ord base was closed and I moved to my present address.

30% of my existing cliental are retired military who came more than 50 miles away to see me. We all keep in touch and talk about the golden days. To everyone seeing my website, hello and ARIVEDERCE.

-Franco.