Russell A. Vassallo
Born in a tough area of Newark, NJ, Russell A. Vassallo was confined to bed with bronchial pneumonia and respiratory illness which have plagued him all of his life. He graduated from Newark Preparatory in 1953 where he failed to excel at anything but entertainment. In 1954, with the help of a sympathetic priest, he entered Seton Hall University where he was a political science major. He acquired another major in English and minors in Philosophy, Education and Religion. He also learned to speak fluent Spanish which stood him in good stead in his worldÂwide travels.
In 1961, Russ graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law where he was awarded a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. Instead of launching a career in law though, he accepted employment as an insurance investigator and worked for two major firms. In 1966, he commenced operating as a private investigator where he remained until he took and passed the NJ Bar examination in 1971. Russ developed skills as a trial attorney of no mean reputation winning ninety-two per cent of his trials and developing a reputation as a pussy cat outside the courtroom and a tiger within.
In Tears and Tales: Stories of Human and Animal Rescue, Russ relates his personal struggles against depression and cancer and extols the virtues of animals in unforgettable stories that thrill and inspire. The book appeals to both young and old. His grandchildren are his biggest fans. He is the father of four and married to his second wife, Virginia, of whom he says, "She is the biggest moving factor in my life. Totally patient and supportive, an avid editor and the best friend I have ever had." Together they started business as Krazy Duck Productions and operate from their home near Clementsville.
Tears and Tales has been awarded Best Book by USABooknews, Best Collection of Short Stories by the Indies Excellence 500, and Best Nonfiction Book in the Reader Views contest. Honorable mention in the Writer's Digest Contest. The Horse with the Golden Mane has won two awards. His first short story, "The Horse That Cried," appeared in Horse Tales for the Soul, followed by A Heart Betrayed, that won first place in Loving, Healing Press. He has been five-star reviewed by Kentucky Monthly, Midwest Book Reviews, Bookwatch and others. His first magazine article, "Uno" was recently published in the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Magazine.