Thomas Quagliarello, barber, fundraiser

THOMAS A. Quagliarello liked to join organizations that did things for people.

There were the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy. He became an officer or board member and involved himself in their fundraising activities, glad to be of service to others.

"He helped a lot of people," said his son Tom Quagliarello. "He liked to be involved in anything that raised money for people."

Long a popular West Philadelphia barber, a champion bowler until he lost a finger in a freak accident, Army veteran of World War II and devoted family man, Tom Quagliarello died Sept. 8. He was 85 and lived in Overbrook.

Tom was born in Philadelphia to Lena and Tom Quagliarello, and graduated from Overbrook High School. In the Army, while fighting the Germans in France, Tom taught himself barbering. He became so good at it that even officers, including generals, sought him out to have their hair cut. He probably inherited the skill from his father, a barber with a shop at 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue.

After the war, Tom joined his father in the shop, which was a typical old-time meeting place where discussions ranged from politics to religion. After his father died, Tom ran the shop himself for several years, then worked with his brother Henry in mechanical engraving at the same location.

When he closed the barber shop, many customers were upset, and actually gathered outside the shop in protest. As a bowler, Tom tore up the leagues, but one day he lost a finger when two bowling balls collided on the rack. The accident forced him to re-learn the barbering trade, and ended his bowling career.

Tom married the former Rita T. Colesante in 1948. She died four years ago. "They had a beautiful relationship and inspired all who knew them," his son said. Tom was also devoted to a group of friends who called themselves "The Club" and met regularly.

He is survived by two other sons, Felix and Danny; a sister, Loretta Braccilli; a brother, Daniel; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Donato Church, 65th and Callowhill streets. Friends may call at 6 this evening at the Robert L. D'Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, and at 9 a.m. tomorrow at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Lions Club Foundation, Campaign SightFist II, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842.