This 89-year-old Quebec tailor has no plan to retire

Hudson tailor Arnaldo Vincenzi (Denise Roberts/CTV News)

Every morning, five days a week, customers come to see Hudson tailor Arnaldo Vincenzi, to get the perfect fit for their clothes.

Hudson resident Brenda Brooks jokes that she is his best customer.

“I’m a bit of a clothes horse as all my friends know, and nothing fits off the rack,” she said. “So, he does all the alterations.”

Vincenzi has a reputation for his fine handiwork and prompt service, which is all the more remarkable since he is 89 years old.

“He’s top notch, couldn’t ask for anything better,” Brooks said. “Everybody’s expecting him to retire, but he never does, which is great.”

Vincenzi learned the tools of the trade as a young boy in postwar Italy. He had to learn a trade at a young age to support his family and decided to pursue tailoring.

After earning his diploma, there were few opportunities in Italy, so he decided to immigrate to Canada. His sister was already there, and she gave him the start he needed.

“I came to Canada with 10 dollars from my sister,” he said.

‘These are my friends’

Vincenzi didn’t speak English or French at that time, but Montreal was in need of skilled tailors, so he got his first job there.

In the early 1960s he made a custom dress for a client in Hudson and word soon spread. He was encouraged to set up shop in Hudson, and with the help of some residents, he soon was able to rent a workshop and eventually buy his home on Cameron St., where he raised his family and set up a permanent shop. Now a widower, Vincenzi still lives there today and says he has no plans to downsize to a condo. Nor does he have plans to retire, even if his children already have. When asked why, he said, “this is my life.”

It’s the same sentiment he feels toward his customers, “these are not just my customers, these are my friends.”

Vincenzi said he is still able to do the detailed work required, including threading needles and operating his vintage sewing machine.

“I’m lucky because my job does not require much physically,” he said. “My eyes, yes. My fingers, yes.”

Vincenzi said he is too old to travel, and he loves what he does, so the plan is to keep going.

“I’ll try to keep it open until 95 maybe,” he added.

Working his craft in a community that’s been custom-made for him.