Bethpage-Tribune_2002-02-08

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VOL 40 NO. 8 SERVING BETHPAGE, ISLAND TREES, OLD BETHPAGE-PLAINVIEW, SEAFORD AND PLAINEDGE FORTY CENTS
Sanitary Barber Celebrates T5 th Anniversary
The community of Bethpage is
proud to acknowledge and honor the
Procida Family. Being a part of a
community for 75 years is a
wonderful accomplishment! Not only
did they provide a service, but they
have always been supportive of what
is good for our town. They have
witnessed many changes and
watched families grow. Now let's go
back in time and feature the
highlights of the Procida Family.
Frank Procida was born in Sicily,
Italy and had to serve two years in
the Italian Army before he came to
America. In 1920 he left Naples, Italy
and arrived in Philadelphia being
sponsored by his sister who was
living in Central Park, New York.
Frank's first job, as a barber, was
in Hicksville where he worked for Joe
Albin for 2 years. Time to move on,
and he opened his first barber shop
in Amityville. His stay in Amityville
was shortened to three years
because of progress and the
expansion of the movie theater.
This move brought Frank, in
1927, to Central Park where he
opened The Sanitary Barber Shop.
The name, Sanitary Barber Shop,
was a name suggested by Mr. Cava
who had just opened the Drug Store
next to his store. Mr. Cava explained,
it seems at the time everyone was
aware of germs and personal
hygiene and he suggested the name
and Frank agreed. Even though it
was the custom to use your name for
your store, The Sanitary Barber
Shop got its name and beginning.
Frank worked seven days a week
closing at 1 PM on Sunday so he
could pursue his favorite pastime,
Bocci Ball! A game that was played
with friends with much enthusiasm at
the Falco and Campagne property.
On December 16, 1928 Frank
married Margaret Noto in St.
Steven's Church in the Williamsburg
section of Brooklyn. They had five
children, Jenny, Gaspar, Albert,
Antonette and Frank, and they made
their home over the barber shop for
26 years. There were tough times,
especially during the depression
when the community of Central Park
used the Barter System to pay for
their haircut and shave. They
accepted potatoes, seasonal
vegetables, and fruits for payment.
They also raised chickens in their
yard for eggs and meat to sustain
the family. The family later moved in
the Rockhill House on Ellen Street,
Bethpage.
When Gasper (Cas) and Albert
(Al) came of age they followed in
their fathers footsteps and went to
work in the shop. Cas went to Barber
School at 16 years of age and got his
license in 1948. Sadly, only after
working with his father for one year,
his father died of kidney disease and
cancer in 1949. That same year.AI
went to Barber School and worked in
Mineola during his training. Al then
joined the Army and spent two years
in Korea. When Al returned home,
after his military obligation, he
rejoined Cas. They worked together
for many years and were quite a
team! Unfortunately, Al passed away
on September 28, 1995. Cas is
continuing in the role of our "local
barber," and one who truly has his
hand on the pulse of our Community.
A position he enjoys so much, one
which he calls "His Destiny!"
Cas tells of the many wonderful
people who have come into his shop.
How the shop has survived the
depression, ten years of the long hair
fad, and the closing of Grumman
which meant the loss of many
customers. Cas expressed the pride
he has in Bethpage especially when
Grumman built the LEM and put the
first man on the moon! What a proud
moment for all of Bethpage! This
pride and love of our community is
what motivates Cas to say, "I shall
be proud to serve my community as
long as I can!"
Proud were Cas's family and
friends when they honored him for
his accomplishments on Saturday,
January 19th, by walking into his
shop at the close of the business day
and saluting him. Town of Oyster
Bay Councilwoman, Mary
McCaffrey, long time resident of
Bethpage, presented Cas with a
proclamation from the Town of
Oyster Bay. A very proud family and
friends and a very astounded,
deserving Cas Procida. All very
deserving of the recognition of this
day.
,..;y See Centerfold for Love Stories
Happy Valentine's Day
A real life Cupid...Connor Robert Kelly