Peter J. Vita (April 30, 1910 – January 7, 2004)''The Journal News'' obituary
, January 9, 2004 of Port Chester,

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

, held the world record for the longest working career as a barber. Vita started cutting hair professionally in 1922, starting his career in his father's barbershop when he was twelve years old. He opened his own barbershop in 1930 and worked actively as a barber for 81 years until suffering a

stroke A stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and hemorrhagic, due to bleeding. Both cause parts of the brain to stop functionin ...

in late 2003. In October 2003 he was recognized by the

Guinness Book of World Records ''Guinness World Records'', known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as ''The Guinness Book of Records'' and in previous United States editions as ''The Guinness Book of World Records'', is a reference book published annually, listing world ...

as the longest-practicing barber in the world.Debra West
Waiting, Unshorn, for a Record-Setting Barber's Return
'' The New York Times'', November 27, 2003 The previous holder of the record had worked as a barber for 76 years.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vita, Peter J. 1910 births 2004 deaths Barbers Port Chester, New York People from Port Chester, New York