Anthony DeSantis

Anthony DeSantis—known as Tony to his family and friends—grew up in the Italian section of a very ethnic town outside of Boston. Most of his neighbors were immigrant families and many of his friends in school were first- or second-generation Italian Americans just like him. He grew up surrounded by the food, culture, and values of his parents and grandparents. Although they struggled financially, his was a wonderful childhood. His family instilled in him a strong work ethic and great pride that he was an American. However, his Italian roots were strengthened by his father’s stories of life in Italy before he became an American and were cemented into reality when he visited Italy and lived with his father’s family for two months when he was only 12 years old.