I have always considered my father one of the greatest men I have ever known. Incredibly talented, he was a painter, a carpenter, an executive, an amateur civil war historian and a ladies’ man who was never seen without a tie and a sport coat. He was complex, had an explosive temper, and was a brilliant businessman. The son of poor Russian/Polish immigrants, he was self-made and a proud veteran who served in World War II. I adored him, hated him, looked up to him, and challenged his authority, which ironically he always told me to do. A deep believer in democracy and freedom of speech, my father loved his country. He told me the most important thing I could ever do was vote. I was encouraged to debate and question the status quo, but to do so intelligently with a solid argument. My father taught me to take risks, always try and do my best, and (for 'God's Sake') always act like a lady. I lost my wonderful father to Alzheimer's disease in 2003.

Putting the Erie Life Magazine "Man Issue" together this past month, I had the opportunity to meet and interview some great Erie men who reminded me of my dad. Men who work hard, are smart, talented, and care about their children. Men with big ideas and dogged determination. Men who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom. Men willing to run into burning buildings without thinking about their own safety (see pages 44-52). Men like Lou Porreco, who I had the honor and pleasure of interviewing (see page 18). Lou is a tenacious and savvy businessman with an incredible memory. His grace under fire, calm demeanor and impeccable manners are rare qualities you don’t see in too many men (or women) these days. I met John Lyons, an Erie based filmmaker who also lost his father to Alzheimer’s and translated his pain into art. Our editors looked and found some of Erie’s most interesting men, sparred with Johnny Bizzarro, and found a few men who weave magic. We also included some manly activities like eating chicken wings and drinking beer. Our feature stories focus on our sports teams and we hope you will find, as we did, one of the most important things Erie can do is continue to support and grow our local sports franchises.

I couldn't include all of the great men I have met in Erie in this issue. I didn’t have enough room! Erie Life Magazine is the publication it is because of so many talented people. People like Terry Peterson of Corry Publishing and Jack Battalia of Taggarts. Both of these gentlemen gave their insight and invaluable business advice. For this I am indebted.

Write us and tell us about a few good men you know, or just one. Don’t forget to fill out our online survey at www.moore-research.com to let us know what you think of Erie Life Magazine. We love your letters and have included some in this issue. Erie is filled with fantastic people and we hope you enjoy getting to know a few of the men who make our city so special.

This one's for you daddy.

Rena Tran
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Erie Life Magazine