"As one travels through this concise, engaging cultural autobiography, as I would call it, of Marra's many experiences, one realizes that he was much more than an observer. If by "observe," we mean to notice and thus perceive something, understand it as being significant, and then act on it, we see that Marra was indeed a keen onlooker. At times, a fly on the wall, other times, an active participant. His work for NIAF and OSIA, especially, are testimony to these two roles he has and continues to play over the thirty-plus years among Italians and Italian Americans."-from the Foreword by Anthony Julian Tamburri

Born in Rome, and "American by Choice," VINCENZO MARRA moved to New York in 1973. He worked as a truck driver, followed by six years as the USA Representative for ITALCABLE. With Frank Stella, Chairman of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) as his mentor, Marra learned the ways of American business and approached these endeavors with passion and professionalism. Marra was member of the Board of Directors of NIAF, Regional V.P. for NY, and acted as Advisor to the Chairman.