Photo: Joe Ades in Chinatown by Joyce Wong

Some sad news coming in this morning, as The New York Times is reporting that the gentlemen potato peeler Joseph Ades passed away on Sunday at the age of 75. Ades (pronounced AH-dess) was a corner staple in Union Square and some other places around New York City. If he was out selling his potato peelers that day, you would know even before you saw him because you could literally hear his voice from down the block. I can’t count the times I’ve seen this man selling his beloved potato peeler (it peels and cuts other things too) on the street, often saying the same lines over and over for hours. It’s amazing that he has done it for so long without being tired of it (at least he didn’t look tired). He sold the kitchen item with more enthusiasm and charisma than any other person I’ve ever seen trying to sell any other product!

Ades was a bit of a street performer too, as witnessed by the masses of people that would gather on a sidewalk corner to watch him peel potatoes, carrots, apples, pears, and just about anything else he could get his hands on. Joseph Ades never told anybody how much he made from his potato peelers, but one could assume he was pretty well off as evidenced in this Today Show segment showing his posh lifestyle and home on Park Ave [via].

If you want to see him in his element, selling his potato peelers on the streets of New York City, then head on over here and get viewing! RIP old man! The city will definitely be a bit quieter without you and your great voice.