Antonino “Tony” Parlavecchio, age 82

of Braintree

Antonino “Tony” Parlavecchio, age 82

Antonino “Tony” Parlavecchio, age 82, of Braintree, died peacefully, Sunday, December 11, 2022, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Tony was born in San Cono, (Tripi), Sicily, to the late Giuseppe and Agostina (Agati) Parlavecchio. He immigrated to the United States in 1958, arriving in Quincy. He lived in Braintree for the past fifty-three years, previously in Quincy.

As a young man, he earned an associate degree in business and became a well-known Quincy hairdresser. He was the co-owner of Designer Hair Company by South Shore Barber in Quincy Center and was also a South Shore real estate proprietor and manager, both for over fifty years.

Tony was proud of his Italian heritage and loved to travel, taking annual trips to Italy where he and his wife, Maria, relished the Italian food and wine. They also enjoyed winter vacations to the Caribbean.

He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Wollaston Golf Club in Milton, where he made many lasting friendships. Tony was an avid gardener and loved the company of his family and friends.

Most of all, Tony was devoted to his family, especially his cherished grandchildren, supporting all their many activities and accomplishments.

Beloved husband for forty-nine years of Maria R. (Chiofalo) Parlavecchio.

Devoted father of Joseph A. Parlavecchio and his wife Olivia of Milton, Tina C. Attachi and her husband Michael of Braintree, and Maria F. Deering and her husband Paul of Hingham.

Loving Nonno of Nora, Audrey, Antonino James “AJ”, Luca, Valentina, Alessandro, and Leonardo.

Dear brother of Carmela “Nina” Boncaldo and her husband Frank of Braintree.

Tony is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Visiting hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Wednesday, December 14, from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 856 Washington Street, Braintree, on Thursday, December 15, at 12 p.m. Interment to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

For those who wish, donations in Tony’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

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  • Greg Richard wrote on December 12, 2022

    Tony has been my Barber since I was 16 years old when I first walked into South Shore Barbers. We recently did the math together and determined he had cut my hair well over 300 times. I think I went to Tony as much for his wisdom as I did to get a haircut. He was the classiest guy who had a way of entertaining and enlightening you at the same time all while cutting your hair in a pair of leather-soled shoes. My wife would kid with me and would call Tony my spiritual advisor. Tony was my Barber and my Friend! Each time I would sit in his chair he amazed me with his stories. Each one was so well told and had an underlying meaning that would make me think on the ride home. I am sure Tony touched every person he met in a similar way. I am very sorry to hear the news but I feel very lucky to have known the great “Tony”.

  • Scott wrote on December 12, 2022

    I’ll miss our early morning conversations at the coffee shop, Rest easy Tony.
    You were a man of integrity and good character, and I’m glad I got to know you.
    May God Bless you.

  • Migena wrote on December 12, 2022

    Dear Tony you were one of a kind. The great training the great advice the great love you gave to all of us at the salon it’s indescribable . I am proud to say it was a pleasure to work for you. Loved the how you would call me over to train me with one of your special great haircutting methods and straight edging and the marvelous styling mens hair cutting you did was AMAZINGLY AMAZING . You always talked about your garden and how well you took care of all the fruits and vegetables 🥗 🥕 🥦 🍎 🍉 and thank you for sharing those delicious tomatoes and fruits and can’t forget the wonderful blue eggs . Thank you for your kind heart. We love you . You will never be Forgotten . R.I.P Dear Tony. You will always be with us and in our memories. Miss you

  • Pietro Chiofalo wrote on December 13, 2022

    L’avversa sorte ci ha privato di un amico e direi anzi fratello gemello che ha vissuto insieme molti periodi della vita tra sorrisi, scherzi e lavoro. Antonino, un ragazzo dal cuore grande che sapeva risolvere ogni problemino che poteva aiutare il vivere meglio degli altri; premuroso verso la famiglia, i figli i nipoti ma un triste destino lo ha allontanato da noi; ci resterà un vuoto che nessun amore può ricolmare. La sua compagnia di amici riuniti a casa sua con le Eolie di fronte in mezzo al mare e l’incontro che finiva sempre con un bicchierino per fare un brindisi alla vita ed al nostro incontro.

  • Joseph V. Papandrea wrote on December 13, 2022

    Carissimo cugino Nino, eri un vero gioiello, da sempre oltre lo stato grezzo. Mi mancherai assai. Dio ti benedisca.

  • ROSY wrote on December 13, 2022

    Per me Nino era una persona saggia, di buon cuore, sempre pronto a mettere una buona parola con tutti. Ci vedevamo raramente, per via della lontananza, ma questo non influiva sul rapporto umano che Nino sapeva instaurare con tutti. Ci mancherà la sua bonta’, il suo modo di scherzare e il suo altruismo. Riposa in pace Nino

  • Anthony Marini wrote on December 13, 2022

    Oh dear Tony, I was so devastated to hear of your passing. I have been going to Tony for my haircuts for 20 years now since high school. I will miss our great conversations. It was a pleasure just to talk about “life” while getting a haircut. A great man who accomplished so much. Tony will always be an inspiration to me. Thanks for all the memories! RIP Tony

  • Cary LeBlanc wrote on December 13, 2022

    Tina, Maria and Joe – thinking of you all during this time. So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing.

  • PAUL YOVINO wrote on December 13, 2022

    I too feel I lost a member of my family. I have been going to Tony and Frank since I was 16. God bless us, that was 60 years ago. Tony and my late brother, Stephen, were the same age and before I could drive my brother and I would go together to Tony and Frank at South Shore Barber because he had a license. There wasn’t a time after my brother went off to college and then moved to Pennsylvania to open his Oral Surgery practice that Tony and Frank did not ask for him and mourned with me when I had to tell them he had passed from Covid19 complication two years ago.
    I was fortunate to have my last hair cut with Tony in mid November. I sensed something was not quite right because he was unusually quiet. As I was leaving I asked Tony if he was considering retiring as Frank did and he would close shop. Tony tilted his head in an odd way with almost a tear in his eye and said simply, “ we’ll see.” I left never thinking it would be my last time and told Tony I would see him before Christmas. When I called last Monday to make an appointment the person who answered the phone said that Tony was in the hospital. She could not tell me more but by the somber tone of her voice I knew it was serious.
    My deepest sympathy to Tony’s family.
    May he Rest In Peace and May his Memory Be a Blessing.
    Paul Yovino
    Braintree

  • Victoria Anderson wrote on December 13, 2022

    I can’t believe I am even writing this. I am at a loss for words right now. I have been working at Designer for almost 7 years. This was my first actual salon experience and I stayed until the end. Tony showed me so much love in the time I spent with him. He became my family and taught me more than I would have ever expected. He treated me like one of his kids and taught me real life things and motivated me to chase my dreams and take care of myself and push me out of my comfort zone. He was more than a boss to me and I am greatful for the time I got to spend with him. I wouldn’t be the woman or stylist I am today without having him in my life. He has taught me so much and I will carry him in my heart forever. He has forever changed my life and I will always think of him. He was loved by so many people and will be forever missed. His family is amazing as well and I am so glad you all came into my life ❤️ DHC forever and a day, in my heart you will always stay.

  • Mark Smith wrote on December 14, 2022

    We lost an amazing man and a great friend. Tony and I had many long talks over the years while he cut my hair. Tony was always in a good mood, and always positive about the future. Tony always talked about the benefits of working hard. He loved spending time with his family. He said he loved working in his garden. I will miss Tony greatly and remember him always.

  • Chris Luca wrote on December 14, 2022

    Tony was one of the kindest men I have ever met. Our family had 3 generations going to Tony and South Shore Barber. My dad started going to Tony in 1965. He would take me as a boy. Then I started taking my sons. Tony would always give us the warmest upbeat enthusiastic greeting with a big smile as we walked in the shop. Then we would laugh and talk with each other the entire time. I looked forward to and loved our conversations over the past 45 plus years. Tony had such wisdom and great advise on life. He was calm, smart, successful, humble, hard-working, fun, super positive and all about his family. A class act and one of the nicest people I knew.
    Tony – Thank you. We will all miss you. RIP my good friend.
    Chris Luca

  • Charles Walton wrote on December 14, 2022

    Tony – so very sad. For 35 years I have known you as ‘barber’ but more important than all of that from chats about France, Italy, gardens, and life in general we became friends. You will be very missed. To Maria, Joe, Bart, Frank, and family – I am so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing, and my thoughts are with you.

    Charlie Walton

  • Famiglia Crisafulli wrote on December 15, 2022

    Carissimo cugino Nino, nessuno avrebbe mai voluto ricevere questa triste notizia. Ci ha profondamente amareggiati e rattristati tantissimo. Ci mancheranno: le tue dolci parole, il tuo affetto, il tuo sorriso, i tuoi consigli, la tua simpatia, la tua generosità, il tuo altruismo, i pranzetti insieme alla tua amata zia Maria, con la quale, adesso, sicuramente starete insieme per sempre continuando a farvi le vostre lunghe chiacchierate, il venire a prenderti all’aeroporto di Catania dove noi tutti ti aspettavamo con immensa gioia. Il tuo sorriso e la tua bontà resteranno indelebili e li porteremo sempre nei nostri cuori. Questo non è un addio ma un arrivederci. I cugini del cuore: Rosetta, Filippo, Giuseppe e Carmen.

  • Teddy Wheeler wrote on December 15, 2022

    Very sad, to hear of Tony’s passing. Even after moving to So. Carolina a year ago, I would look forward to seeing him on my comeback visits, for a proper haircut. Friend, Mentor, Confidant, are the words I woild use to describe our 49 year relationship. As we got older together, the “chair talk” went from classic cars, the winning dog at the trak, to his annual visits to Italy, and.always about our Families. We would see each other at our Daughter’s dance recitals, and we celebrated having Grandchildren at the same time. He was the Best at what He did, and a delightful Man to spend time with. May Loving memories bring comfort to His Family. Rest In Peace my Friend.

  • John MacVarish wrote on December 15, 2022

    Tony was a kind and gentle man. I am honored to have shared his friendship.
    May God bless you, Tony, and hold you in His arms.

  • Enza Cadili wrote on December 15, 2022

    Mancherai tanto anche a me, carissimo Nino. Sento una tristezza infinita nel cuore e vorrei che tutto questo fosse solo un brutto sogno. Sei stato come un papà per me, anche se lontano tantissimi chilometri. Ho sempre sentito in affetto grande nei miei confronti ed un senso di protezione , nato dal tuo grande cuore e dalla bellissima amicizia he da sempre ha legato le nostre famiglie . Non dimenticherò mai la tua accoglienza , i tuoi saggi consigli e la tua davvero paterna benevolenza . Sono certa che sei già in Paradiso!

  • Pat Cappelletti wrote on December 16, 2022

    Today I just learned of the passing of my dear friend Tony. I’m fortunate that I had the pleasure of seeing him at the shop in early November. I have known Tony for over fifty years and started going to his shop for haircuts when I was just a boy. He was an amazing person and special friend that I got to know well over the years. I looked forward to going to the shop where we had so many great conversations. He always spoke so lovingly of his family including his children and grandchildren and we had so many great conversations about him and his travels, working in his garden and making fish for the Christmas Holiday with his family. To his family I convey my deepest sympathies on his passing and remind them to hold onto the life memories they shared together as it is those memories that will sustain you through your grief and sorrow. May God Bless Tony and God Bless you all.

  • Ernest Kramer wrote on December 26, 2022

    In December of 1965 I came to Boston. I was buying suits at Miltons on Hancock Street. I asked them if they knew of a good barber in the area. I was immediately referred to Frank and Tony at South Shore Barber Shop. It’s now been over 50 years that I have been going to see them. I formed a very good relationship with Tony & Frank over all of those years. Tony & Frank were very warm and we always had a very cordial and wonderful relationship. I was saddened to learn of Tony’s passing. The thought of him remains in my mind. Tony, may you forever rest in peace. And my best personal regards to your family.

  • Ernie Jones wrote on December 29, 2022

    I am so sad to hear of Tony’s passing. He was not only my barber for 50+ years but more precious was that he was my friend for all that time as well. Tony was gracious, considerate, and had a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss him more than I can express. Tony, rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family on this great loss.

  • steven friedman wrote on December 30, 2022

    I was so saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. His death is a great loss to many people who experienced him as a friend. He had been my barber for close to 45 years, cutting my hair long before I went bald. He loved the social interaction with customers, and it was always a pleasure to listen to his stories. After I visited Sicily a few years ago he reminisced about his growing up and we compared notes on places I had been (e.g., the fish market in Catania). I am so grateful that I got to know him over the years. I will miss him and send my prayers and condolences to his family.

  • Arthur W Tucker wrote on January 7, 2023

    I found out just recently that Tony had passed away. He had been cutting my hair perfectly since 1975. We would talk endlessly about growing fruits and vegetables. When his day off was Wednesday, we would often travel to the south coast of Rhode Island to visit the farm stands, eateries, and take walks on the beach. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace dear friend.

  • Tom Plant wrote on January 20, 2023

    I’m sorry that I’m so late with this entry. I had suspected something was wrong when I called the shop in December and got just the answering machine. I walked past the shop a few days ago and saw Frank’s note on the door. Then I found this obituary. Like so many others, I knew Tony as my barber over the past 20 years. I admired him greatly. I so enjoyed our conversations about Italy. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was a wonderful human being. I extend my sincerest sympathies to his wife and to all of his family and friends. RIP

  • Bill Peterson wrote on March 26, 2023

    Tony and Frank were my friend’s and hair designers for 45 years .tony also took care of my son and grandson.
    Tony was fine man and a gentleman
    That will be missed by many

  • Roger Keller wrote on June 24, 2024

    I used to get my hair cut by Tony. He was a true artist. A very kind and sweet man. He was very wise. I enjoyed the conversations we would have. I knew he had been ill. So sorry to hear of his death. He was a great man! He wanted to bring peace into conflict! I miss him! The best barber ever!!!