Simpler times revisited in West Side native's book
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter
"Younger kids today have no idea what life was like before because they don't talk to their grandparents."

That's the philosophy behind Ed "Sonny" Russo's writing.

The 76-year-old Amherst resident has started his career as an author after learning many life-lessons growing up on Buffalo's West Side, serving in Germany during the Korean War and raising a family.

His first self-published book, "My Memories of the West Side from 1940-1960," has sold over 1,100 copies.

Russo's second book, "Tony's Son" is a first-person recount of events and memories of his life told with colloquial flare.

"We ate dinner every night together," he said. "We didn't eat until everyone was there."

The book, which was published by Grover Cleveland Press in 2005, has sold over 500 copies.

Russo sells his books himself in an effort to reach people of younger generations to instill some of the qualities of his own upbringing. Also he's reliving his memories, he aims to reach people of his own generation to bring them back to a simpler time.

"The secret of my life is that I've done everything without a lot of money," he said. "With family and

friends it can be done."

Even with continuing health problems, Russo has no regrets about the life he has lived and continues to live his life.

"I have health problems but I learn to live with it and still enjoy my life."

At one point in the book, Russo's 21-year-old grandson, Michael, asks the question of how to make his own life, as well as the lives of his children better.

Russo responds with a list of what he's learned regarding religion, respect, a positive attitude and family values.

"If I had a chance to live my life over again and somebody could promise me that I would have my same exact family, same exact friends and same exact problems, I would live it over again and not make any changes."

For a copy of "Tony's Son," call Russo at 832-6081. e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com