Iconic Boston barber hangs up shears after nearly 60 years

BOSTON — Customers in Hyde Park are losing much more than just a good hair cut.

After nearly 60 years, Boston barber Joe Monahan says he's ready to hang up his shears.

From the music playing on the radio to the decor to the lifelong friends who stop by, a visit with "Joe the Barber" is like a trip down memory lane.

In 1959, Joe the Barber opened Monahan's, the unassuming barbershop in Hyde Park that brings nostalgia to all who enter.

The soon-to-be 87-year-old jokes that because he turned his trade into a lifelong career, along the way he made lifelong friends.

"It's not the job I love, I can forget that, but, it's the people!" said Monahan. "They're all personal friends, I've know this guy, all these guys since I came here."

In 59 years, not much has changed inside Monahan's, including the customers.

"You come here even when you don't need a hair cut," said Kevin O'Malley, a customer. "He's not famous for being a barber, he's famous for being a really good guy."

After all these years, Monahan says because he's worked numerous days and hours, he now wants to spend more time with his wife and nine children and grandchildren. He says, however, saying good bye is never easy.

"I don't feel old, but I am," said Monahan. "If I had to be any place cutting hair, this is the place I'd want to be. These are my best friends in the world right here."

Its Monahan's attention to detail and the undivided attention he gives his customers that will be missed the most.

John O'Donnell says Monahan opened up shop just for him especially on his wedding day in 1960.

"So we set the time, 8 o'clock in the morning, got my hair cut, shaved, alright, the whole works," said O'Donnell.

Monahan is leaving behind a last legacy on that neighborhood and generations of families. His last day is one week from Friday.

"He's gonna leave a hole in the neighborhood a million miles wide," said O'Malley.

Cox Media Group