He didn't know about computer's as a kid nor did he have a plan to become a writer. Yet, nearing 50 years old, he embarks on a new career as webmaster, editor, art director and yes, a writer.
Tony was born in the South West Bronx, near Yankee Stadium and recalls when it costs just 50 cents to see a game from the bleachers. He will always be a New Yorker and a true Yankee fan.
He lived in a mixed neighborhood but it quickly became a low-income ghetto (although he and his family never realized at the time). It was only after a tragic fire, which took the life of a friend, did they come to understand that Highbridge
However, in spite of her love for this neighborhood, she reluctantly agreed to move when would-be-robbers began to try to feed their watchdog (Tarzan) meat with bits of glass mixed in was now a ghetto. The following day, after the fire, the Daily News front page had a picture of a firefighter removing his friends' lifeless body from the burning apartment. His mother cried when she read the headline:
"FIRE KILLS ONE IN GHETTO"
He will never forget her cry, "Their calling our neighborhood a ghetto!"
The neighborhood had become a safe haven for heroin addicts. On a few occasions, addicts burglarized their home. In an attempt to continue to live in Highbridge and the house they only knew his parents got a watchdog. Tony's mother would not entertain any thought of moving. After all, she was born, by a midwife, in a house across the street, some forty years ago.
However, in spite of her love for this neighborhood, she reluctantly agreed to move when would-be-robbers began to try to feed their watchdog (Tarzan) meat with bits of glass mixed in.
Tony had lived in Highbridge for his entire life. When his family finally moved to a suburb of New York City, he moved in with his grandmother, for the remainder of the year, to finish his freshman year at Cardinal Hayes High school and to maintain the friendships he had ever known.
Looking back, he considers himself fortunate to have lived in a ghetto. His friends were from all races and religions. It created strong beliefs that he still has today, although, he did not realize it. He will never forget his roots.
