Sounding Taps for a 108 year-old WWII veteran AND the oldest barber in the world!

Rogues on The Road

Thirty minutes before this podcast we had no idea we were going to record this. This episode is dedicated to the oldest barber in the world and WWII veteran, Anthony Mancinelli. We never met Anthony, however we thought it appropriate to honor Anthony by attending his funeral Mass, procession and grave-side service. This is where we met up with military bugler, Dani Masterson.

Dani Masterson is a volunteer bugler working with Bugles across America and Spiritof45.org. She's been a horn player for over 30 years and for the past 20 years sounding TAPS for over 3500 details. When she shows up for a detail, she feels, " It"s the last nicest thing that can do for someone." These are the times when Dani feels her service is most pure. "I don't do this to receive a pat on the back or even a thank you. I do it to serve. I'm personally grateful because it has given me a place to serve those who have served. My mission is to educate people on the significance and history of TAPS, why it is important to have a live Bugler and to sound TAPS in all 50 states."

Anthony was born March 2, 1911 in Montemilone, Italy. The son of John and Savino Madrisi Mancinelli. Anthony came to America in September of 1919, on the ship Caserta. He served in WWII and was honorably discharged in 1945. He took up barbering in 1924 and continued to work until July of this year. He was a life member and the oldest member of the New Windsor American Legion 1796. He was Grand Marshall of the New Windsor Memorial Day parade for 13 years. He was inducted into the Barbers Museum and Hall of Fame and is listed in The Guinness Book of World Records. He has been honored numerous times and received many awards/certificates from government officials, including Senator Larkin, Representative Thomas Kirwan, Congressman John Hall, Supervisor George Green, County Executives Edward Diana and Steven Neuhaus and many others. March 2nd was named Anthony Mancinelli Day in Orange County.

A big thanks to the members of the New Windsor American Legion 1796, The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club, and the Newburgh/New Windsor police department.

SIDE NOTE: Towards the end of the service we listened to a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria. We've heard this classic many times before, however this was the most beautiful we've ever experienced. The entire moment brought us to tears as we tried to figure out who was singing. Looking up behind the pews we could see a woman in military fatigues and then we realized who it most likely was, Master Sergeant, Mary Kay Messenger. Sergeant Messenger is the premier vocalist for the West Point Band and has extremely long list of accolades. This day she played humbly and then quietly exited with little notice. Thank you for your service.

Rest well, Anthony...