This is, indeed, a sad time for Lewiston. “Frenchy the Barber” has passed away. Yes, that’s correct. I referred to him as Frenchy, and am glad to show him that respect.

Somehow, Frenchy escaped the ax of political correctness, (unlike the talented man on radio years ago) and remained Frenchy.

Until I read his obituary in the Sun Journal, I didn’t even know his real name. I didn’t have to. He was Frenchy.

Whenever I would walk by, he would wave, and, if the door was open, I would try, out of respect, to say, “Hello, how are you” in French, because he was Frenchy.

No, we won’t be naming a holiday for him. I don’t think we will name a park in memory of him. And we won’t be lowering the flag – people all over the state would ask, “For who?” They just wouldn’t understand that Frenchy was and will always be Lewiston’s own.

He never knew my name, so I will just say, “Rest in peace.”

Angelo Giberti, Lewiston