Anthony Traficante

Contributing Editor, History, Culture & Traditions

Anthony was born and raised in a typical Italian immigrant family of the 1930s and 1940s in the East Pittsburgh community of Brushton-Homewood. He spoke an Italian dialect before speaking English. His parents, Pasquale and Filomena, were from the small mountain town of Rionero in Vulture, Southern Italy. His father arrived in the USA in 1922, his mother following six years later in 1928. They had seven children; three survived.

While attending the University of Pittsburgh, Anthony initially studied for a law career. By the time he graduated, he decided to make the Army his career. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years, ending his career as the Deputy Commander of the 8^th Logistical Support Command with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Italy. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam:  In 1965 as an Advisor with the South Vietnam Army.  And then again in 1968-69 with the 1st Air Cavalry Division, along the border of North and South Vietnam.

Two of his military assignments were in Italy and it was during his first tour he met his late wife, Monica. They were married in the beautiful city famed by “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona, Italy. Tony and Monica welcomed their daughter, Tammy, into the world, and celebrated the arrival of their three grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Following his retirement from the military and returning to Pittsburgh, Anthony pursued a new career as a Legal and Business Administrator for a number of Pittsburgh Law Firms.

Anthony has a Masters Degree in Military Science from The US Army Command and Staff College and an MA in Community Relations and Planning from Central Michigan University.

He has been a member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America since 1953, serving as the National Executive Vice President for 22 years and President of the Pittsburgh-based La Pace Lodge.

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