Fifty years after emigrating from Italy, Downers Grove barber recognized for patriotism

DOWNERS GROVE — It's not just the flags that say "America" at Tony's Barber Shop.

It's the easy familiarity with customers and the smell of talc that lingers after you leave — barber shops like this might exist in every small town, but they don't open overnight. It takes years to craft.

But, of course, the two star-spangled banners hung just outside the door don't hurt.

On Monday, Alberti was recognized by the local chapter of the Sons of the American Republic — on Presidents Day — for prominent display of the flag at his business and his home.

The presentation was scheduled for the one day of the week Alberti's shop is closed. The SAR Chapter president, Rod Herbig of Lisle, will dress in full colonial military uniform to present the certificate.

But for Alberti, the flags are a way to recognize his adopted country.

"I love this country, it's my way of showing appreciation," he said.

Alberti was born in Sicily in 1944. He came to the United States when he was 11 and became a citizen within five years, he said.

His family settled in Chicago's southwest side in what today would be the Beverly or Ashburn neighborhood, but they didn't have a name for it back then, Alberti said.

He has been cutting hair for 46 years, and 18 since he moved to Downers Grove.

In that time, many of his clientele are long-time customers, he said, many of whom have grown up getting their hair cut there. On the wall are more than a dozen pennant flags from various colleges — Illinois State, Texas Christian — from where his young customers went off to school.

"I hope to get enough to get where I can get every square inch covered, where I don't have to paint," he said with a chuckle.

The shop offers a no-frills pricing system. Haircuts are $17 — $25 for "long hair" — and $8 for beard trims. There's a senior discount on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For those 100 years or older, haircuts are free.

"I'm still looking for the first one," Alberti said. "I had a 96-year-old man, as he saw that, he's walking out, he says, 'Four more years!'"

Alberti himself turns 69 next week, but he has no plans to retire.

"When I can't make all these guys look so good anymore, that's when I'll retire," he said.