Friendly And 'Wasn't Fussy': Menino's North End Barber Remembers His Regular Of 21 Years

If anyone knows the true character of a man, it would be that man's barber.

For 21 years, Thomas Menino was a regular in Gino Colafella's shop on Hanover Street in the North End.

"He want to look good all the time. But he wasn't fussy. And that's it. Not too short," Colafella said.

Menino was never a walk-in at Colafella's shop. His busy schedule as mayor meant an appointment was made ahead of time.

Colafella says it was an honor to cut Hizzoner's hair.

"Oh, it was great. Not only because he was the mayor, but a great person. Very humble. He loved people," he said.

"He loved the city of Boston. And he loved his family, like a normal person," he continued. "Every time he came for haircut, you never felt, 'Oh, the mayor's coming in,' and get stressed out. He was very, very easy. He spoke to everyone when he walked in. He would take pictures with them."

Menino last got a trim just three weeks ago.

"I mean, I knew he was sick. He was suffering. But I never knew this day was going to come. Maybe 10 years. Another 15 years. Not today," Colafella said.