Andrew Emanuele

It is with great sadness that the Emanuele sons announce the peaceful passing of our father, Andrew, on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at Independence Manor in Flemington, New Jersey surrounded by his loving family. Dad lived a very full life, and had an amazing journey that spanned two continents, three countries, and almost 10 decades, and this is his story.

He was born on Sept 28, 1924 in the tiny mountain town of Roseto Valfortore, in the province of Foggia, located in the Apulia region of southeastern Italy. Dad's early years were all about survival. His mother was a farm worker, and his father was in the United States working as a coal miner in Ohio and Pennsylvania (eventually becoming a naturalized US citizen).

Life centered around church and family. He became an altar boy at 5 years old, and early schooling led him to start a barber apprenticeship at age 10. This skill provided him with a solid foundation for his entire life. His barbering skills allowed him to start his own business at age 16, with early customers paying him sometimes with money, but often with food, wheat, or corn.

His life took an interesting turn when he was drafted into the Italian Army in 1944. He was trained in artillery and radio communications, but it was his skills as a barber that made him a valued and extremely popular soldier at his training base. So much so that his commander kept him there until the very end of the war as the “base barber.” His earnings during that time provided him and his family back home a reasonable existence. Even though the war was winding down, he and his fellow soldiers were deployed to the front lines. When they arrived, they were told the war was over, and ordered to find their way home. He often told us that the train ride to the front lasted three days, but the walk home took 33 long and arduous days.

In April 1950, he immigrated to Canada through Halifax, Nova Scotia (immigration to the US was closed at that time to anyone over the age of 21) under a one-year contract as a farm worker. After processing, he was given a one-way train ticket to Sydney, Nova Scotia and started his North American life on a dairy farm in South Bar in Cape Breton. He spoke no English, but the cows did not seem to mind.

After his mandatory year, he ventured into the town of Sydney, and was quickly hired as a barber by Mr. Burt Shannon. His skills once again provided him with an opportunity for a better life. He met our mother, Lucy, at the Italian Church in Whitney Pier where they both sang in the choir. They were married April 25, 1954.

During Dad's time in Nova Scotia, his father Dominic, living in the US as a naturalized citizen, sponsored the immigration of his mother and younger sister, reuniting the family in Bound Brook, New Jersey. He encouraged Dad and his young bride to emigrate from Canada to New Jersey. They both arrived in early 1955 and Dad, once again, was hired as a barber in Middlesex, New Jersey.

His first house in Middlesex quickly got too small, as Mom gave birth to three sons- Sept 1955, January 1957, and April, 1958.

Dad was anxious to open his own barbershop, and was savvy enough to venture down the road where he fell in love with the farm country of Hunterdon County, and especially the quaint little town of Flemington, New Jersey.

In the spring of 1960, he opened the Hunterdon Barbershop located in the Hunterdon Shopping Center. Dad changed the shop name to Hunterdon Haircutters in the early 70's and the shop is still there today.

Always known locally as “Andy the Barber”, Dad's love of the game of soccer led him to become one of the main founders of the Flemington Soccer Club (now known as Hunterdon FC). He refereed soccer matches on the elementary and high school level for a number of years and constantly promoted the sport at every opportunity.

Dad and his wife Lucy loved working at the barber shop, happily serving customers and the community until 1985, when they sold the business and decided to enjoy retirement.

The first 15 years of their retirement were special and happy times for them as a couple. They had a Florida life with a home in Venice, and eventually a condo in Bradenton. Dad got the golf bug early in retirement and played 4-5 times per week up to the age of 94. They enjoyed winter months in Florida and summer months in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, enjoying their grandchildren as the years rolled by.

We lost our mother and Dad lost the love of his life in December of 2001. This was a difficult time for all, but Dad was determined to continue his life in Florida. Always involved in the Catholic church, he got involved with his local parish in Bradenton, and met wonderful friends while working at the Food Bank. He continued to have a very active social life which including dancing (and he could cut a rug). Between the church, his dancing, and golf game, he was surrounded by many good friends and created memories that will last forever. Dad was outgoing, friendly, positive, respectful and had a good sense of humor.

Dad entered Independent Living in Bradenton at age 93 and did very well, but the lockdown during the pandemic was especially hard for him. He became a resident at Independence Manor in Flemington, New Jersey in October 2021, and came back to his roots and the county that he loved.

We cannot thank the staff at Independence Manor enough for the excellent care and love they extended to Dad during his last year of life as well as the kindness shown to his family during this difficult time. Hunterdon Hospice provided great comfort to everyone during his final days.

Dad is survived by sons, Dominic (wife Fatima), Andy (wife Brenda), and Frank (wife Susan), his sister Rose DeSantis as well as his grandsons, Eric, Robert, Frank, Brian, Kyle, Austin, Andrew, Nicholas, one special granddaughter, Carla, and two step grandsons, Christian and Marc. He also was the proud great-grandfather to two boys and five girls.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lucy, his sister Bibianna Goduto, and his grandson Gregory Emanuele.

Rest in eternal peace, Dad. You will never be forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington NJ 08822. Entombment will follow in the Twelve Apostles Mausoleum at Resurrection Cemetery, Hoes Lane, Piscataway NJ 08854. Calling hours will be on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Memorial contributions in Andrew’s name may be made to Hunterdon Hospice, 215 Route 31 South, Flemington NJ 08822.

For further information or to leave condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.