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Gentleman's Quarters |
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Gentlemen's Quarters celebrates 40 years in West End By Jack Kearns Long Branch |
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On November 16, 2004 Orfeo D'Ambrisi celebrated 40 years at his barbershop in West End. All those years have been spent on Brighton
Avenue, in three locations nearby, before he started Gentleman's Quarters in 1974, and moved to his present
location, 104 Brighton Ave., in 1988. Years ago his shop was called Imperial Barber Shop, as some of his longtime
customers will remember. They call him "Orfy" or just "Orf'. One customer, named Richard, has been coming to Orfy since 1961. Other long-time Orfy fans include Frank Blaisdell, from Norwood Agency on Broadway, Long Branch, Mark Greenspan from Deal, a New York investment manager, and the now retired Dr. Cyril Arvanitas. All are 40-year patrons. As anyone will tell you, when you get a barber you really like, you stay with him. Orfy has enjoyed his work since coming to the United States at age 18. He was raised in a small town in Italy, Colliano, about 45 minutes from Pompeii. He was an apprentice for three years before coming to the US and getting a job at Fort Monmouth. His father came here first to establish a home, find a job, and send for his family. Orfy arrived later with his older brother, Joe, his mother and younger brothers Mike and Phillip joined them six months later. They all live in the New Jersey area not far from each other. Orfy's dad has passed away, but his mother will soon be 90 years old, in January. Orfy's daily schedule is a full one. He told us appointments are preferred. Walk-in customers are welcome, but sometimes you might wait a bit. Appointments take priority seating. For your convenience, you may want to call first. But Orfeo is easy to do business with.. His excellent cutting skills are complemented with his pleasant quiet conversation. Mostly sports are talked here. The Yankees, the Mets from April to October, Knicks in basketball season, and the New Jersey Giants and the Jets when the weather gets colder, are the highlights of the review sessions in the shop. Golf is a year ‘round thing and the men follow Tiger Woods and BJ Singh as the tournaments move through the months. Fred Couples enjoys a nice following too. Orfy plays golf when he gets a chance, usually Sundays. He and friends enjoy the several county courses but games have become fewer over the years. He says it’s not as easy these days to play 18 holes, but when he can it is still fun. His best round ever was a respectable 78, and he still shoots a decent game. Orfy was a bowler in past years; his team was in the Monday Night League at Monmouth Lanes. The team has gone its separate ways but he still remembers the sociable games with his friends each week. Orfy and wife, the former Marilyn Tomaino from Long Branch, were married in 1967 and have two daughters, Melissa and Kristin. Business hours: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday hours are 7:30-4:30 (closed Wed.). Telephone number is 732 870-9893. |
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Pictured is Orfeo D'Ambrisi, professional barber, in his West End shop where he has offered his services for 40
years. Enjoying the conversation is George Tamburino from Long Branch, a customer of Gentlemen’s Quarters for six
years. |
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