Hairstylist, confidant and friend: Why this Hyde Park salon owner is so missed after death

For those who sat down in Frank Burdick Jr.'s chair to get their hair done, he was more than a hairstylist. He was a confidant.

Hyde Park Coiffures, which was owned by Burdick Jr. and his business partner, the late Lou Popper, was known by his customers as a safe haven. They would go in for their weekly hair appointment and be pampered, talk about their troubles and leave smiling.

Burdick Jr. died last week after a two-year battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his loved ones at his Villa Hills, Kentucky, home. He was 83.

His son Frank Burdick III said his father's kindness, sincerity and ability to listen leave behind a more than 50-year legacy in the East Side neighborhood – one that the elder Burdick's loved ones say won't be forgotten anytime soon.

"People would tell him things they wouldn’t tell their minister or priest," Burdick III said. "It wasn’t a gimmick. It was because (Burdick Jr. and Popper) were truly interested in what they had to say."

His job was a big part of Burdick Jr.'s life, but family was also paramount. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Faye, his sons Frank, and his grandchildren Maddie, Lily and Joe. He is preceded in death by his son Kirk, who died in 2008. He and his wife traveled the world together and held season tickets to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, because he loved classical music.

Burdick III remembers how hard his father worked to support his family. Before settling on a career in cosmetology, he was a salesman for Firestone and Nabisco. His son recalls fond memories of being on the road with him, going door to door to sell goods.

When Burdick went to cosmetology school, Nabisco found out and fired him, Burdick III said. From there, his father worked a hotel manager job to get through cosmetology school and open the salon.

In its heyday, the salon had a staff of hairdressers, shampooers and even a full-time manicurist. Back in the day, Burdick III said, women would often come in each week for a primp. The salon later became unisex and men started coming in for cuts.

One of his customers, Lynn Hailey, said Hyde Park Coiffures always had a great atmosphere. There were coffee and doughnuts for customers every day.

For many, it was like home.

"It was a community. It wasn't just a business," Hailey said. "He loved his customers, and his customers loved him."

Those customers won't easily forget Burdick Jr., his son said.

"He had this steady clientele of these loyal, loyal people," Burdick III said. "On top of them (Burdick Jr. and Popper) being good at their craft, my father was the most genuine person I have ever met in my life."

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. June 17 at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road.  A reception will follow immediately. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra or another charity.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hyde Park Coiffures owner dies at 83