Fairfield Barber Retiring After 50 Years Of Tonsorial Artistry

FAIRFIELD, CT — One doesn’t usually associate the word artisan with hair cutting, but the professional life of Aldo Melchionno is a clear and classic reflection of that creative concept.

Now, after decades in the business—and just under 50 years at Colonial Unisex Haircutters on the Post Road, which he bought in 1972—Melchionno, 80, is going to try retirement.

“I sold the business about 10 years ago, but I’ve remained on,” he said, having originally started in Fairfield in a shop on Black Rock Turnpike in the mid-1960s, where he rented a chair for eight years.

All through that time, Melchionno has done the work he loves with the caring eye of an artist—establishing strong bonds with many, many people throughout the community and serving three generations of clients in the process.

“He knows how to cut my hair and he’s the nicest guy I know,” said Robert O’Boyle of Fairfield, who has been a steady client for 15 years.

Like others who have frequented his shop, he appreciates was he described as an easy, hassle-free experience, a good deal and a very good haircut from Melchionno.

“I’m very comfortable here,” John Dishey of Fairfield said of the tiny rustic shop just east of North Benson Road. “They know your name. They know the cut you like without even asking (and) it’s a nice small, cozy, close-knit atmosphere.”

Many longtime Fairfield residents are familiar with Melchionno in particular, who was born in southern Italy and lived there until he was 14, when his family first came to Bridgeport.

Several years later he returned to Italy to learn his trade, apprenticing with a highly regarded barber named Marco in the town of Avellino.

“He was a well-known professional, so I learned the business from the best,” he said.

Melchionno noted the gamble he embarked on when he first took ownership of the Colonial in 1972.

“That was during the longhair era, when people were going out of business,” he said. “If people were getting four haircuts a year, that was a lot.”

Yet he had luck, and along with his engaging personality and sincere care he brought to his customers, he had a success of it, having three chairs in operation from early on.

More importantly, he developed real connections with so many of his clients who have frequented him for decades, have brought their children to his shop for their styling, and later their grandchildren.

“It’s like a family,” he said, noting he would miss it. “It becomes part of you, so it’s sad to see it go.”

Unfortunately, word came down from the landlord that the property was going to be developed and the shop is having to move to Southport next month. Melchionno, however—a longtime resident of Trumbull—will not be going with them.

“I’m happy,” he said, noting it was time, noting he had accomplished what he set out to do as a creator, as a tonsorial artist, as a husband, the father of three daughters and grandchildren.

“He truly loves this profession and his clients,” noted his daughter, Clara Cavalli-Chiappardi, who said she considers him the most selfless man she has ever known.

Melchionno is not sure what the next chapter of his life will entail, but he’s very comfortable with the choices he’s made so far—putting his art and craft above the commoner pursuits of wealth and money.

“If you worship money, you’re missing the whole point of living,” he said. “If it runs your life, you’re missing out on a lot.”