Sal’s Barbershop owner Sami Ziada marks his 90th birthday and 70th anniversary in the haircutting business with Mayor Dorinda Borer, left, and his daughter and son-in-law, Adele and Porky Gaudino, during a celebration with customers, friends and loved ones at 451 Campbell Ave. on March 18.
At the crowded party, organized by West Haven Business Alliance President Michelle Caprio, Borer presented Ziada with a mayoral citation for his “indelible contributions to the civic and cultural fabric of West Haven.”
Reading the citation, the mayor said: “Your good works have shaped our local identity and have strengthened the diversity, character and vibrancy of our business community. Congratulations on your birthday and your platinum anniversary.”
Ziada thanked everyone for supporting him while reaching his milestones but conceded they were bittersweet because of his son’s absence, former Z’s Cafe owner John “Johnny Z” Ziada, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2022.
With Sami Ziada beside her, Borer said, “I know Johnny has always been so proud of his father, and I’m sure he’s smiling down on his beautiful family.”