Luigi "Decio" Mazzone

June 21, 1941 – June 21, 2026

Luigi “Decio” Mazzone was born in Senerchia, Italy, on June 21, 1941. Luigi Decio was the beloved son of Pierino Mazzone and Elvira Iannece. The youngest of ten children, he was raised in a large and loving family and was predeceased by his parents, three sisters, and six brothers. The values of hard work, devotion to family, and loyalty to friends that he learned in his youth would guide him throughout his remarkable life.

At the age of 18, Luigi immigrated to the United States in 1959, settling in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Like many immigrants of his generation, he arrived with determination, ambition, and a dream of building a better future.

Although Luigi and his future wife, Maria, were born in the same town of Senerchia and knew of one another growing up, it was in New York City where their love story truly began. After each separately immigrated to America, they reunited in Manhattan and quickly fell in love. Luigi often referred to Maria as the love of his life. They were married in 1966 and began their life together in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where they built a loving home and started the family that would become the center of Luigi’s world.

A master barber by trade, Luigi proudly owned and operated Charlton Barber Shop in SoHo, Manhattan, for 47 years. Through his dedication, craftsmanship, and welcoming personality, he became a beloved fixture of the SoHo community. His shop was much more than a business—it was a gathering place where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and generations of customers returned year after year.

Over the years, Charlton Barber Shop became well known throughout Manhattan and was frequently used by photographers during celebrity photo shoots. Luigi’s clientele included Brad Pitt, Christian Slater, Michael J. Fox, and Fred Gwynne, among many others. Despite his success and the notable names who sat in his chair, Luigi remained humble, treating every customer with the same kindness, respect, and warmth.

Known for his infectious smile, sense of humor, and larger-than-life personality, Luigi loved nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends. He cherished every opportunity to laugh, sing, dance, tell stories, and create memories with those he loved. He especially treasured the company of his many nieces and nephews and took great pride in maintaining close relationships with his extended family throughout his life.

Above all else, Luigi was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Mazzone, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and cherished memories. He is also survived by his beloved twin sons, Michael and Louis Mazzone, born on June 21, 1967, sharing the unique honor of celebrating the same birthday as their father; his cherished daughter, Mary Benzi; son-in-law Michael Benzi; and his adored grandchildren, Damiano, Stephan, and Dante.

His legacy lives on through the family he adored, the friendships he cultivated, including the last dozen years of his life when he enjoyed spending his winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the community he helped shape, and the many lives he touched over the course of his remarkable 85 years.

Luigi passed away peacefully on his 85th birthday, June 21, 2026, in Staten Island, New York, surrounded by the love of his family.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and lovingly held in the hearts of his family, friends, customers, neighbors, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“A life well lived, a family well loved, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.”