Joe was my teacher and mentor. I graduated from Tricocci Tristino School of Hair Design in Palatine, IL in 1985. I was honored to work for Joe straight out of beauty school at his salon Impressions in Carol Stream, IL and later at Linea Hair Studio, Glen Ellen, IL.

I have been doing hair for 38 years now. Joe taught me everything I know about cutting hair. At this point in my career, I now teach up and coming cosmetology graduates what Joe taught me. I don’t know that I convey it to them the way Joe did to me in his Wednesday night classes, but I don’t want his knowledge to fade away. Now more than ever, I want to share his knowledge with young people, just like he did for me.

Love to you Teresa.
Lisa Brown Swanson

Joe, always lit-up the stage with his passion for our industry.
his presentations were inspiring.
rest in peace JOE
now your with the angles!

I’ve known Joe since I was 4 years old when he started cutting my hair. He used to put stacks of magazines on the chair to prop me up! I have very long hair and every time I came in he joked about cutting it short, but he knew I would never let him :). He was always there to give advice and help whenever I needed it and without hesitation. He was like a father to me. I will never forget his stories, his smile, nor his kindness and sense of humor. He will forever be in my heart.

As a cosmetology teacher, I was privileged to call Joe Tristino my friend. He came to the school many times over the last 20 years, to give classes to my students who were thrilled to have a chance to learn from him. I was honored when he would tell the students that I was his friend. He was a kind, generous and talented man and I will miss him.

My Father Met Joe in 1960 . Joe got a job for my father in a Bobby pin factory that Joe was working at . Fast forward 31 years later and by chance I ran into Teresa at the beauty show . When she asked my name she said go find Joe Joe at the Indola booth. When I told him who my father was he said you start work for me next week . It was such an honor to work for him ,travel for Indola with him and to be trained by him . When I opened my first salon he was there to help. The last time I saw him was this year and he came by the my shop and showed me a bang cutting technique on my client. He loved to teach and help other hairdressers.He was a great man ! I had such great memories with him . I will miss you and I love you .

On behalf of Cosmetologists Chicago and America's Beauty Show, Joe was a leader that will be deeply missed and never forgotten. His genuine dedication to serve others was his gift that we cherish. Joe's legacy lives on within each person that he touched. We are forever grateful.

Rest in peace our dear friend and leader. God Bless.  

I’ve had the fortune of meeting so many wonderful people growing up in the beauty industry and Joe Tristino was no exception… Walking the trade show floor with my father as a boy and, attending CCA events in Chicago, you would always run into Mr. Tristino… He would always take the time to stop, say hello and had an encouraging thing to say to me… I last saw Joe at the Presidents Party at ABS in April where he congratulated me as the new incoming president and welcomed me to the club of past presidents, many of which were there… I will miss you Joe and I thank you for making the world a more beautiful place… Our industry was fortunate to call you one if it’s own…

❤️Theresa - I am so sorry for your loss. Wrapping you and Antonio in a big hug. What a joy it was to know Joe. His welcoming smile, spirit of hospitality, kindness and care for me and my family were an unusual gift in the industry. Beth

I was very blessed and grateful to have had Joe in my life for the past 38 years. The day I got married, I gained the BEST cousin anyone could ever ask for! I knew before I even had my first child that Joe would be The Godfather. It was the greatest honor to have a role model like him for my son. Joe is everything you would want a person to be. He was the kindest, most respectful man who ALWAYS put family first. He was adored by everyone. No matter where I went, whenever I mentioned Joe Tristino’s name, it would bring a big smile to that person’s face. The world will be a little less brighter without you in it, but I will hold close to my heart the many beautiful memories of you, Teresa, Antonio, Nick, Taylor, George and I. I love you cuz. May you Rest In Peace and until we meet again…Ciao ❤️

Calabrese nel sangue, il suo accento lo confermava, americano adottivo, pochi calabresi in Italia sono come lui... Serio e preciso, umile e gentile... Grazie Joe.

Losing Joe is like losing life. A true friend always giving the best advise and telling stories not to be shared.
He made my husband feel we were family. Now he will be joining a elite group of friends as God has opened the door for him. Best of love to his family

So many stories and memories where do I begin. Joe has been cutting my hair and my daughters’ for 47 years but our history started when Joe first came to this country and lived with his uncle in the Italian neighborhood near to my own in Chicago. St. Michael’s parish was in his neighborhood and my sister and I would go to the church basement every Sunday evening for the sock hops. Once when Joe and I were reminiscing about our youth I happened to mention the dances at St. Michael’s and we discovered we both were there at the same time. From then on, Joe always told everyone we had been friends since we were teenagers.  What a laugh we had at that. He made all his clients feel like they were his good friends—what a special gift he was to all of us and to the world. He will always own some real estate in my heart! 

Joe first cut my hair in 1984. He shared endless tales, interests and lots of horse insights over 38 years. I have so many memories of a dear wonderful man. And always enjoyed his stories while sitting in his chair.

Joe knew everyone around the world! If I travelled he would connect me to a friend in that city.

My favorite story is the time I went to Rome. Joe: go see my friend Sergio his salon is near the Spanish Steps. So I find Sergio’s salon—- who was quite famous, pictures of celebrities everywhere. I said to the receptionist Joe Tristino sent me to see Sergio. Within two seconds Sergio Valente comes out with his salon staff and says any friend of Joe’s is a friend of mine - what can I do for you while you were in Rome!

He was so proud of his accomplishments in the beauty industry and his work at Alberto Culver developing products with Mr. Lavin.

He was so kind to my daughter Laura who interned with him, after he encouraged her to study in the industry.

I am sure everyone in heaven will be looking more beautiful with his touch. RIP my friend.

I met Joe on my visits to Chicago from my home in Ireland and I had the pleasure of visiting his salon also , I have no words to describe how he changed my life it was amazing j
ust to be in the same room as him was such a beautiful feeling .
My deepest condolences to all Joe's family, Friends and work colleagues, He will be sadly missed

James Coughlan
4 Island View
Kilrush
Co.Clare
Ireland
V15PP73

He called me “the Indian” which I thought was weird the first time I met him, but realized it was very on point the more I got to know him. I remember telling him I wanted to vote for Bernie Sanders just because I knew it would annoy him and he’d say “you like losing your money to taxes?” Apart from yelling at his favorite horse, the man loved watching some Will and Grace and explaining why the jokes are funny. I can’t count how many times he looked at me, grabbed my hair, and said “this is not good. Come to the salon and I’ll fix it.” But I think my favorite memory is sitting down at the dinner table with the Tristinos, eating delicious pasta (with the sauce he made from scratch), and listening to the fascinating stories about his legendary life.

He broke hearts wherever he went and he continues to do so even after he has passed. We love you, miss you, and promise to celebrate you, Mr. T. Your legacy can never be erased. ❤️

Joe Tristino: He was my boss, my mentor, and my friend. When I came to work at Linea, almost 20 years ago now, he had more confidence in me as a stylist, than I had in myself. He helped me to become a better stylist not only by teaching me hair cutting skills, but by leading by example of how to be a true professional. I have always felt it was a privilege to work for the great Joe Tristino. He was always so good to me. Love and peace to you always Joe.

I’m very saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was my first teacher in the hair industry and an extremely kind, empathetic, and compassionate man. Joe always would help and uplift the people that came into his life. My condolences to you Teresa, Antonio and your entire family may God comfort you, Bless you, and give you Peace. I love you Joe, God Speed.