Local Barber Retires After 55 Years

Kennedy’s barbershop off of Maple Avenue will be saying goodbye to its oldest and longest employee after Monday.

Phill Barnett began working at the barbershop in 1958, taking after his grandfather. He started as a barber but was quickly promoted to manager. Eventually, he owned the barbershop for 30 years, until he sold it to Joe Kennedy a few years ago. Tomorrow would have marked his 56th year in the business.

“I decided it was time to go, and so I picked today because this is kind of an anniversary day and I thought why not do it on the anniversary day,” said Barnett.

Barnett said although he will not miss the work and has not loved every minute on the job, he knows one thing he will miss. . . the people.

"it’s great, the friendships are just, you just can’t put a price on friendships, it’s just the way it is, I just thank everybody."

Barnett said he has had some health issues lately so the first part of retirement will be dictated by his cardiac therapy. After he gets well again, he will visit family for an extended period in Indiana and maybe even travel to Florida during winters. He also apologizes about the short notice to any client who didn’t know he was retiring.