Comings and Goings: Riverside Barber Closing But Moving

The Riverside Barber Shop in Westport’s Saugatuck section closes on Saturday after 82 years in the same location. The late John Santella opened the shop in 1927 and it was then owned by his son, Lou. Owner Pat Vigilio (r), the shop’s owner since November 1999, will reopen at a new location on Tuesday at 231 Post Road West at the upper level of Greg & Tony’s Salon. Vigilio announced that he is donating the barber pole to the Westport Historical Society. Pictured with him are Allen Raymond, a longtime customer, town historian, and a past president of the Society, and Tina, a hair stylist who will also move to the new location. Riverside Barber and adjacent DeRosa’s Restaurant are making way for the Saugatuck Center development by the Gault family. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com