Antonio Fania

Antonio Fania, affectionately known as Tony or Tonino il barbiere, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025 at the age of 85 with his devoted wife Emma (Monaco) by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tony was born on July 21, 1939 in Cantalupo nel Sannio in the Molise region of Italy to Francesco Paolo and Raffaella Carosone. He was one of six children. He completed the 5th grade, all while apprenticing under the local barber, a skill that became quite useful in Canada. Tony arrived in Halifax, Canada, in 1958 via the Vulcania. After two days on the train, he arrived in Montreal. He lived with his sister Anna and her family for eight years. In June of 1967 he married Emma Monaco. They had two children, Marco and Danny (Virginia), and purchased their first home in Montreal North on Olier Street.

A lifelong barber and barbershop owner, Tony’s pride and joy was Salon Classico in the St. Leonard borough of Montreal. Salon Classico was more than just a barbershop; it was a gathering spot where people came to share stories and connect with other members of the community. He was a master of the classic cuts, always ensuring each customer left his chair feeling confident and refreshed. If you were fortunate, he might even share a funny story or two with you.

Though he eventually closed his shop, his loyal customers continued to flock to his garage in Montreal North, where another barber's chair awaited them.

When not cutting hair, Tony enjoyed family trips to California and Italy where he connected with old friends and family. An avid sports fan, he played soccer when first arriving in Canada and remained a lifelong fan of the sport.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather (Logan), he had a quiet way of showing his heart through his kind gestures and unwavering loyalty. His family and friends knew that they could always count on him. His kindness, skill, and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Institut de readaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal and at the CHSLD Laurendeau for their unwavering support and care during a difficult time.

The family will receive condolences at the Centre funéraire Côte-des-Neiges (Dignité), 4525 Côte-des-Neiges Road, Montreal, (514-342-8000) on Monday, March 17 from 2pm to 5pm, and from 7pm to 9pm, as well as on Tuesday, March 18, from 10am to 12:30pm, followed by a religious ceremony in the chapel of the funeral home at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society