New Kensington cobbler considers retirement after being held at gunpoint

After five criminal incidents since 2014 and a successful robbery Friday afternoon, New Kensington cobbler Gene Montemurro is thinking about slipping on his walking shoes for good.

Montemurro, who has been repairing shoes for more than 60 years, was back in his shop Saturday surrounded by work, customers and the distinctive and comforting aroma of leather laced with the sweet undertones of dye and polish.

“My family would like me to retire,” Montemurro said quietly.

The nostalgia of Gene's Shoe Service was shattered when a gun-wielding thief threw the 82-year-old cobbler to the floor of his own shop for a pittance.

Two men entered Gene's Shoe Service Friday close to 3 p.m. and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

New Kensington police are still investigating the incident.

“I thought it was a joke,” Montemurro said when one of the men wearing a mask started rummaging through the cash drawer.

Within seconds, another man sneaked through the shop's back door, with gun in hand, grabbed the 82-year-old Montemurro from behind, ripping his apron, and threw him to the floor, taking cash from his pocket. Somehow, Montemurro was not injured.

He spoke gladly with customers Saturday at his Fifth Avenue store, where he has been since 1999. He has occupied several other locations in the city since 1949.

“Can you save these shoes?” asked a customer who brought in a pair of black party pumps. Apparently the shoes had been in her car for awhile, and she made a visit after learning of the robbery.

“I'm here to support you,” said the woman who was carrying a stun gun.

Although there are few cobblers left these days, there still is work, Montemurro insisted.

As corrective shoes used to be the rage for a number a years, today there is a new wave of customers: With hip and knee operations, people with uneven legs need a lift in one of their shoes.

“This is big now,” Montemurro said. “They want my work.”

That is what has kept him going: “I like to help people,” he said.

“I love this but, sooner or later, I will have to depart.”

Montemurro said he is seriously considering retirement and will let his customers know.

Mary Ann Thomas is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-226-4691 or mthomas@tribweb.com.