Newmarket barber Dominic Prochilo is retiring after more than 50 years but not before giving his customers the chance to get one last haircut, completely for free.
On Saturday, May 28, he will be giving free haircuts at his shop, Continental Hair Centre, at 239 Main St. While there is no charge, he will be accepting donations in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre.
"People gave so much to me over the years," Prochilo said. "Newmarket's been good to me."
He opened shop at 214 Main St in 1969 and began doing hair there. Just five years ago, he sold the building and moved to his current location up the street. The small space is filled with memories and photos, including one of Prochilo's grandfather, who came to Canada in 1937.
Family is important to him, he said. Meeting his wife changed him for the better, he added, and they have three grown kids and four grandkids, which were the best thing that ever happened to him.
When asked why he wants to retire now, Prochilo said, "Because I'm 74!"
He said now that his kids are grown and married, he and his wife want to travel. He said they will fly to Paris, rent a car and drive around before ending up in Italy.
Until then, he will be at the shop, enjoying the last couple of weeks of work. Hair is a job he is passionate about.
"It's just fun," Prochilo said.
He said he has a number of regular customers who come in. That includes one man whose parents live in Newmarket but he comes all the way from Brampton to get his hair done by him.
Your last chance to get a haircut from Dominic Prochilo will be on May 28.
