December 26, 1943 – May 12, 1995
Born in Detroit, hairdresser Anthony Caputo attended the Virginia Farrell Beauty School and landed a job at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York at age 20. He returned to Michigan in the early 1980s and later learned he was HIV-positive. Caputo went on to help found AIDS Walk Detroit and work as volunteer coordinator for Wellness House. He died from AIDS-related complications at age 51.
Detroit Free Press, May 18, 1995
Michigan LGBTQ Remember 
I remember Tony Caputo. In San Francisco, in approximately 1981, at his salon near Union Square, with drawings done by kids who came into his salon and painted directly on his walls. The snacks he served .The best haircuts I’ve EVER gotten. The silk and nylon streamers flying from the fire escape outside his window . I’ve been looking, for years, for information about him, and here I’ve found it. I wish he were still around, but I will never forget him.
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I worked with Tony at his salon in that 5th floor salon in 1981. I’ve been doing hair for years myself and he too gave me the BEST haircut I have ever had to this day.
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Probably Caputo was the funnest salon that I ever worked at.
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a regular at 5th for salon… best cuts EVER! Atmosphere / decor changed with the wind, or fashion event.
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