Fabio travelled a lot, and had a tradition of posting photos to Facebook from his airplane seat.
My high school classmate Fabio Sementilli left a year early to chase his dream of becoming a hairstylist under his older sister’s mentorship and opening his own salon.
He ended up doing much more than that — over the next 30 years, his skills, work ethic, and love for people who take him from Toronto to Los Angeles where he became the internationally-famous go-to guy for hair, trained thousands of stylists, and become the Vice President of Education for Wella, which was absorbed by Coty (in other words, a brand evangelist for the beauty giant). He was killed outside his home in Los Angeles’ Woodland Hills neighborhood on Monday evening.
Young Fabio. Hey, it was the ’80’s, we all had silly hair. But he had great silly hair.
Fabio and I both went to the same high school: De La Salle College “Oaklands”. Though we moved in different circles — me with the nerds, student council, and the theatre crowd, him with the “Gino Patrol” (“Gino” is the Toronto area equivalent of “Guido”) — we were friendly with each other. He “friended” me on Facebook about six years ago, and we’ve messaged each other back and forth ever since. We’d trade “I’m flying for bidniss” photos, but if it were a contest of how often, he’d win; where I was on a flight once a month, it seemed as if he was on a flight once every week. He sent me some nice congratulatory messages when I got engaged to Anitra, and again when I married her.
He was supposed to come to our 30th high school reunion in October but was unavailable. He sent us a video where he sent his greetings, wished us the best, and reminded us that the Gino Patrol was still alive and kicking.
Modern Salon wrote a lovely tribute, which included their favorite Fabio quotes:
Fabio had a wife and kids, and to them, I send my deepest condolences. Our high school class is already working out a way to send something nice to his family. Requiescat in pace, Fabio, and I hope that justice is served on your behalf.
I’ll close with this video by American Salon Stories, which should give you a sense of the kind of guy Fabio was:
Have a good April Fools’ Day tomorrow, but be mindful about your pranking.
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I'm going to miss those airplane selfies.
Me too, Natasha.
Beautiful thoughts for a wonderful man. Well put Joey.
I met him when i was 15 ,he was so inspirational to me . He left such a positive light in me . i said i wonna be like him! Fabio thank you for they advice you gave me so many here ago. It will be always in my heart ! All my beautiful colours i create , are a part of you! wont let you down! AND! FORZA ITALIA the soccer conversation you we to talk about! you would laugh when i would say ! FORZA ITALIA CAZZO ! with so much love
Dinora
Dear Fabio,
If I could use one word to describe you, that encompasses your energy, love for people, enthusiasm for the beauty industry, respect for yourself and your profession, immense empathy and commitment, and the sincere need to reach and connect with other- it would not be difficult.
For I had the unique and immense please of exposure to this word for over 45 years.
The word is FABIO.
Thank-you!
Mio caro amico! Quanto mi manchi!
Joe Mercurio