Anthony was born in Boro Park Brooklyn in 1959, and grew up in a vibrant immigrant neighborhood with many second and 3rd generation Italian and Jewish families. You could also say that Brooklyn was born into him, because it was the start of his life-long love of Brooklyn and old New York city.
He attended Saint Frances de Chantal (SFdC) catholic school along with his younger brother John. His mother Frances, was also a teacher in the same school. Commuting involved simply walking across the street – his big old 19th century house, the school, and the church were all on corners of the same intersection. It was almost like living in a small town.
As soon as Anthony was old enough to, he picked up a camera and started shooting – and he never put it down since. He was a talented photographer and cinematographer, and during the 70’s, he also built a darkroom in his basement, and developed and printed all his own photos. Over the next few decades, Anthony documented his life and family through thousands of images and videos, a collection that is now his legacy. Many of his best photos can be seen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/badwsky.
As a teenager, Anthony was a tinkerer and a “geek” long before it was cool to be one. He was fascinated with science and engineering, but wanted to do it himself, and not just read books. So he spent many hours mixing up new chemicals, peering through his microscope and telescope, and building model rockets, go karts, and gadgets of all kinds. When he was just 13, he and his friends built a clubhouse modeled after the Lunar Lander – complete with windows, electricity (ok, so it was an extension cord from the house), heating, TV, and even a “secret” underground room.

Anthony’s real interest in radio began after his uncle gave him an old short wave radio. It amazed him that you could listen to stations and people from all over the world. He attended FDR high school in the late 70’s, and got caught up in the CB craze at the time. His handle was “Valentino”, and he built up a CB shack in an attic apartment after the tenants vacated. That is really when he started connecting with fellow radio enthusiasts. Over the years he graduated from CB to Amateur Radio and earned his first license in 1987. He later became WW2W and an Extra Class operator. Anthony was very active in KCRC and served as Vice President and Secretary over the years. He made many close friendships in the hobby, and it was like a family to him.
Besides his technical skills and knowledge, Anthony rounded out as a true modern-day Renaissance man. His other interests included NYC history and culture, art, many kinds of music, cooking, classic cars (he once restored a 57 Chevy), politics, sci-fi, and travel. He was also talented at drawing and painting. Anthony was always health conscious. Before his medical problems, he was into weight-lifting, running, and bike riding. But after, he still enjoyed walking in the neighborhood, and getting out as much as possible.
As his profession, Anthony followed some of his cousins in Dentistry, and studied Dental Technology at NY City Technical College (CUNY). He worked as a dental technician until 2007 and eventually ran his own sole proprietorship.

On a more personal side, Anthony had a deep respect for his family and heritage. He was very close to his mother Frances, who passed away only two weeks before him. They would speak by phone multiple times a day, and share stories and thoughts.
Anthony was known for his kind and caring heart, and soft-spoken integrity. He would never hesitate to help, volunteer his time, or focus his energy to find solutions for others. He especially enjoyed teaching and passing on his extensive knowledge of electronics and radio to kids and newcomers, and would never act condescending or superior to them – the concept didn’t exist for him. And one thing many people have said – once you were his friend, you were a friend for life.
During the past 10 years Anthony faced many problems with his health, mainly his struggles with Epilepsy and gout, but it never stopped him from staying as active as possible, and keeping close to his girlfriend Lydia, his family, and friends. He was always appreciative of all the help and support they gave him during a difficult time in his life.