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BORN
1945
DIED
2014
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ANTHONY DRAGO Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for ANTHONY DRAGO
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David Cavazos
March 17, 2022
Our family loved Tony and it was always a pleasure. He gave me and about 6 others Mohawk haircuts before a Maine west wrestling match. I think ron daul , Diego Montez Don Arrigo. He loved it. Great person who was always wonderful. RIP. David.
March 21, 2014
My husband and i just found out about Tony's death. We have lived in Desplaines for 27 years and he has been the family barber for all those years. My son had his first haircut there. he is 28. I loved to stop and talk to Tony even when i wasn't bringing my son. He was always friendly and enjoyed talking as much as I did. We are all so very sad and will miss him. We will all remember him with great fondness as he was the family barber. In all of the sadness that surrounds death we hope you will remember the good times of his life. Our deepest sympathies to the whole family
Susan & Steve Adams
Xavier Perez
March 8, 2014
RIP Tony
Susan Maldonado
March 8, 2014
Toni, thank you for the 17 years that I knew you. You were the first Barber that cut my son's hair as a baby and saw him grow up to be a teenager. I am grateful for the Saturdays when we would come in and no matter how long the wait was, it would pass quickly with your stories and updates of the best places to eat. We stopped in today and found out that you are no longer with us. You will be missed as a great barber but most of all as a friend. Susan and Xavier
Brian Mastro
March 1, 2014
I had been a customer of Tony's since 1989, when I was 7 years old. To this date, he still gave me consistently the best haircuts I've ever had.
When I went away to college for 4 years, I would wait until breaks would come up for me to return home to get a haircut. I couldn't let anyone else do it! And I'll never forget the advice he gave me throughout my college years: 1) Load up on the mashed potatoes & gravy, and 2) Marry an ugly girl because she'll never betray you. Ha!
I will indeed miss all of the barber shop conversations we had, including all of the conversations with the regulars, including Leon, Bob the mailman, Topper, and all of the other usual faces I'd see there on a Saturday morning or early afternoon. I'll also miss grabbing a piece of gum, a cookie, or some of those "unbreakable" combs that sat in the box next to the cash register.
Tony treated everyone with the same respect, and he was a great man. He always asked about the family, and like many others mentioned, never forgot anything. I'm sorry I didn't find out sooner than I did; otherwise I'd certainly have attended the wake and funeral.
To the Drago family - on behalf of the Mastro family, please accept my deepest condolences and our kindest prayers through this time. He gave us 25 great years of service. The city of Des Plaines is truly going to miss a legend.
Sincerely,
Brian
February 21, 2014
I don't know how many years Tony was my barber, we were very close in age, so I guess that's what happens when we get older.
I was still in the military when I got my first haircut on Algonquin. I think he enjoyed cutting a GI's hair, cause we're not fussy.
In 1991 during the opening days of the Iraq war, I was in the chair and about half finished. Another patron came in who began talking about the wrong decision the USA made to get involved. I had the usual barber cape covering my uniform, as I listened to the latest update on the war from a civilian.
When Mr. ? started his litany, Tony touched my right shoulder. He did the same thing twice more in the next ten minutes as he finished. I don't remember if I acknowledged his prodding.
When he finished and took the cape off, and Mr ? saw my six rows of combat ribbons, you can guess the rest. I gave Tony my usual $2 tip, and I smiled at Mr ? as I left.
I never asked Tony what conversation transpired after I left, I'm sure he was smiling as much as I did, that's what kind of guy he was.
I'm going to miss him as much as Leon.
CPT D
US Army Retired
Susan Harvey
February 16, 2014
In my heart, I see Tony and JoAnn in high school, walking the halls at the ages of 14 and 15. There was no question to anyone that knew them that they were a couple that would be together always. I am so shocked and so saddened by this. All my love to JoAnn, Debbie, Carl and families. Heaven is a much richer place now.
Tony - 1987 - Taken by Joon a visit to the barber shop
Susan Harvey
February 16, 2014
Scott Commissaris
February 13, 2014
About ten years ago, I was badly in need of a haircut and stopped into Mr. Anthony's barbershop in Des Plaines for the first time. When I went to pay the bill, I didn't have cash to pay for it. Since he didn't accept those new fangled credit cards, I was going to have to to go the ATM. Fortuantely, before I could leave, a co-worker of mine walked into the shop and payed my tab.
After several visits, I realized that Mr. Anthony knew a good number of my co-workers.
Going to Mr. Anthony's was always the highlight of the month for me. There was always a crowd of regulars who just stopped by for lunch, laughs, and good conversation. In the five years I've been going to the shop, all the regulars were there, but I've never seen any of them actually get a haircut!
That's the type of person Tony was. He was someone you looked forward to seeing and sharing laughs with. He remembered everything I ever told him. Whenever I sat in the chair it was like the conversation never ended.
At the end of the haircut, he would put on some sort of cologne. During my last visit, I asked what it was he was putting on my hair? He said it was Bay Rum. I told him that it had some seductive component inside of it based on a number of post haircut experiences. We all got a good laugh out of it and he gave me a fresh new bottle. Although I pleaded with him, he wouldn't let me pay for it.
I stopped in last week but noticed the hours had changed. So, I made some time and saw the gang, but Tony was absent! That's when Debbie told me her father had passed away. I regret finding out too late to attend Tony's funeral.
I'm going to keep that bottle of Bay Rum on my mantlepiece in homage to Tony.
Regrets,
Scott
Vaughnv Vogt
February 8, 2014
I have known Anthony for over 40 years and I remember my 2 sons Anthony and Andrew getting their first haircuts there when his shop was where the Deville Motel was located. It was always a place to go for Great conversation and many laughs as well. He was genuinely interested in the people he gave haircuts to and their families. His memory was amazing and he would never forget to ask about the family. I'll miss my visits to the best barber around. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Tom Powers
February 8, 2014
Condolences to the Drago Family. Tony cut hair for four generations of our family. Tony was someone my son and I looked forward to seeing on Saturday mornings and we will miss our time with him. We will keep the Drago family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dorie Franklin
February 3, 2014
I heard today of Tony's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bernadette Bailie
February 3, 2014
I started taking my son to see Mr. Anthony about 6 years ago. Ben is 10 now, and enjoyed our visits not only for a great haircut, but naturally for the treats Anthony bestowed on him. I enjoyed taking him there for all the chat about the neighborhood, Resurrection hospital as I am a nurse there, food, and of course the family. What a shock to hear the news from a patient of mine who also sees Anthony. A loss for everyone. Ben was very sad to hear the news. I will think of him everyday as I go to work since I pass his shop. We pray for his family, especially Joann and their children. Forever in our hearts.
J Huinker
February 3, 2014
Please accept my condolences on the loss of our dear barber and friend, Tony. For twenty years Tony always delivered the finest haircut. I am gonna miss him. We talked about our faith, family, work, and had a lot of laughs. May God's perpetual light shine upon him, and may his soul rest in peace!
February 1, 2014
i was very shocked and saddened to hear of Tony' passing. I have known Tony as my friend and barber for the past 40 years. When our daughter was about 4 yrs old, she would go with me to get my haircut. She would sit under a huge plant in the corner of the shop while Tony cut my hair. My wife (Barb) and I extend our deepest sympathy to Tonys family in this time of sorrow. Tony will truly be missed.
Wayne
Glenn Wright
February 1, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Tony passing! I have been a customer and friend of his for the last 15 years and my 12 year old son David has been getting his hair cut by Tony since he was in diapers. Tony was a great person and we will miss him very much. Sincerely, Glenn & David Wright
February 1, 2014
We're so sorry for your loss. We will miss Tony. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace and love to you.
Jay and Barb Needleman
Jim
February 1, 2014
Tony has been my barber for the last 39 years. He was a good friend (and host!) to a variety of regular visitors at the shop. It was kind of like the TV show Cheers!
As the years went by and I commented on a lot of grey hair falling into my lap during haircuts, Tony assured me that he was only cutting off the grey ones!
From many private conversations in the shop, I know that Tony was extremely proud, supportive, dedicated, and loving to his family.
My deepest sympathy to all.
February 1, 2014
Tony will truly be missed. Everyone enjoyed going to see him. We talked of family, politics or anything that someone brought up. My grandchildren, my sons and myself were all friends and customers. He was a part of our life and we will miss him.
Our deepest condolences to his family.
Roger Johnson
Bill Hartman
January 31, 2014
Tony was a kind caring friend. He was someone you could always depend on to tell it to you straight! He left way too soon and will be greatly missed. May G-d keep him in his tender care and comfort those Tony left behind.
Michelle
January 31, 2014
My twin boys loved going to see "Mr. Tony" for their haircuts with my dad. He will be missed.
Dianna Ehrenfried
January 31, 2014
To Joanne and Family,
Please know how very sorry for all of you at this time of sadness. Tony was a gem and he always went out of his way to make you feel special. He was a gentleman and a joker. I will miss his hugs and encouraging words at Sunday mass. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
January 31, 2014
Dear JoAnn & Family,
I was very sorry to hear about Anthony's passing. I asked my son Bob to send our condolences to you and your family.
Love Carol Langer
Margaret Whelan
January 31, 2014
Aunt JoAnn, Carl and Debbie. I am so sad to hear about Uncle Anthony. I always remember his great laugh and all the fun we had at our family parties. Much love to all of you. I am thinking about you during this painful time. Love, Margi
John Gorman
January 31, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to Tony's family. His warmth, his smile, and his down'to-earth attitude will be missed by many people - family, friends and customers like me who stopped by his shop often for 15 years. My father was a barber decades ago, working in a similar shop, and the atmosphere at Mr. Anthony's always took me back.
May perpetual light shine upon him.
Paul
January 31, 2014
He cut my hair for about 35 years. It was always a pleasure see him.
Chris McGowan
January 31, 2014
There were few who could compare to Mr. Anthony. I was deeply saddened by the news of Tony's passing. My heart felt condolences to the Drago family.
Tina Sanchez
January 30, 2014
R.I.P Mr Drago may you find peace on the other side of the gates to heaven.
Y Romanazzi
January 30, 2014
Cousin Anthony, or Antney as we many times referred to him when failing to pronounce the 'h'. Always wore a smile & with his mild demeanor was able to laugh at life's situations. A huge presence wherever he went which will be missed but never forgotten. My prayer for comfort to those whom his passing will leave a void. My rejoicing for him who I believe is in Heaven. Not because of any good that he had done (and he did alot of that); but because of his faith in Jesus as God's son who died & rose to save us from the original sin we were born with due to Adams disobedience. So the good news is that if we believe it too & put our trust & faith in Christ; we will get to see Anthony again one day and that day will NEVER end!
He may not have known it but I have fun memories of Anthony. I won't say goodbye, just until we meet again.
Love
Cousin Lonnie
Dan Pritchard
January 30, 2014
Tony was not only the best barber but a class act. When going through a difficult time in my life. Tony gave me solid advice and truly cared. He was not only my barber, friend but someone I looked up to as a human being. RIP Tony.
Ken Romin
January 30, 2014
I've been going to Tony for over 30 years. He knew everything about my family, the neighborhood, politics, weather, you name it. I could see his building from my window, so I knew when to come. I will miss him deeply. God bless the family.
Linda Olsen
January 30, 2014
Mr. Anthony. He was Mr. Des Plaines. You got much, much more than a haircut when you stopped by . We stopped by last Tuesday but the barber pole was still and the shop was dark. We thought it was due to the extreme cold weather since Mr. Anthony didn't keep an appointment book.
My son has been going to Mr. Anthony since before his feet could touch the foot rest. Mr. Anthony knew everything that was going on in Des Plaines. He would share it with you with his good-humor and always with a smile. With him passes an era where the rhythm of life was different and everyone took time for actual "face time".
To "Mrs. Anthony" Drago and family, please accept our heartfelt sympathies. We will pray for the repose of Mr. Anthony's soul.
MAW
January 30, 2014
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May God "comfort your hearts" as you go through this difficult time. 2 Thess. 2:17
Lindsey Thomas
January 29, 2014
Tony lived across the street from my grandparents, and they were good friends. The Dragos were often at family parties, and once in awhile my husband and I joined the four of them for their Friday night dinners. He was so vivacious and such a big personality. It was hard not to smile when you heard him laughing, and he always had a story to tell. He will be missed by so many.
Robert & Barbara Mrozek
January 29, 2014
Tony Drago was my barber for over 50 years and we had been friends for 53 years. He gave me one of his last haircuts on Saturday afternoon and when I left Mr. Anthonys Barbara Salon, we kissed each other on the cheek, as we always did. I declined his offer to dine at Jamesons, that night, and postponed dining to Feb 1, 2014, Barbara's birthday.
We always talked about more time together after we both were older and not working; so much for wishful thinking.
He was very loquacious and a little different at times, but a "great man, husband and father" where it mattered.
We send our deepest sympathy, to our very special friend JoAnn, and the children Carl and Debbie; and their families.
We will miss you dear friend.
Robert and Barbara Mrozek
"WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW...!"
Dan Leahy
January 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Drago Family, Tony was a great listener, as well as GREAT Barber...he will be missed by ALL of his customers at the barbershop...
Robert & Barbara Mrozek
January 29, 2014
Tony Drago was my barber for over 50 years and we had been friends for 53 years. He gave me one of his last haircuts on Saturday afternoon and when I left Mr. Anthonys Barbara Salon, we kissed each other on the cheek, as we always did. I declined his offer to dine at Jamesons, that night, and postponed dining to Feb 1, 2014, Barbara's birthday.
We always talked about more time together after we both were older and not working; so much for wishful thinking.
He was very loquacious and a little different at times, but a "great man, husband and father" where it mattered.
We send our deepest sympathy, to our very special friend JoAnn, and the children Carl and Debbie; and their families.
We will miss you dear friend.
Robert and Barbara Mrozek
"WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW...!"
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