The American Dream 

Antonio Falco was born in Torre Dei Passeri, Abruzzi Italy, 1930. He came to America 27 years later with his 18 year old bride, Lucia. He raised four “Italian American” children, and was the proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren. He worked as a steel ironworker for over 30 years, bought and maintained rental properties, a condo in Florida and traveled the world.

Yes, the “American Dream”, but those are the external achievements. On a deeper level, he helped dozens if not hundreds of people (in recovery and within our community), showed up day after day for his wife, kids and grandchildren. He took pride in his work, saved a dollar, never bought a new car, gave back to his community, and passed on April 17th 2013 with thousands of people paying their respects, and most importantly, with his family by his side. Yes, the American Dream is real, but it is deeper than most of us think. If done like Antonio, the American Dream is a life worth living and one that gave instead of took.