Biography of Joseph Niland Author of "The Other Joe" Born the son of Irish immigrants, I was raised in Washington Heights in New York City at a time when the country was at war. Both of my parents were touched by the Depression after coming to the United States and practiced the creed of signing nothing and saving every dollar. My dad worked as a mason for the Transit Authority and my self- educated mom, like most moms of that time, was a stay -at-home mother. We lived in a five-room apartment on the second floor of a six story building on 160th Street. Having been weaned on Irish music, going to Gaelic Park every Sunday to see my dad hurl, and having my homework scrutinized by parents, who had no formal education was not optional. Their values were reinforced by the nuns, religious brothers and priests that educated me. My mom told me that she cried when she came to this great country and saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time because she didn't feel worthy to be here. My two brothers and I cherished these same sentiments. When I reached my eighteenth birthday, I had no money for college and I couldn't get a job because I was of draft age. Therefore, after an abbreviated college career, I enlisted in the Marine Corps. After three years, I met the girl of my dreams and two years later we were married. Initially, we lived in the Bronx, but later moved to Paramus, New Jersey. We not only raised a great family but took into our home over three hundred children. Each child had a different story to tell. My wife and I had a deep faith in God and He gave us a life of adventure, love and challenge. In 1976, after the Second Vatican Council, I was ordained a Catholic Deacon. It was a thrill when my children handed my vestments to me and I received the Sacrament of Holy Orders at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark, New Jersey. Forty-two of my years were spent at the Automobile Club of New York. During most of this time, I was a supervisor and teacher. I finished my career at the AAA Phone Center in Newburgh, NY. Ten years were spent commuting to Garden City, Long Island, NY. The Cross Bronx Expressway taught me patience and humility and it became a time of prayer. My wife passed away in 2002. She had cancer. My three sons have homes in Paramus. We are all active in our community. My book outlines the way we lived, shared our lives with others, and fought discrimination and injustices while at the same time enjoyed and continue to enjoy life to its fullest.