Home: Staten Island, NY. Age: 67 is the new 40. Profession: Attorney and Counselor-at-Law. Organization: Law Offices of Gary R. DeFilippo, PC; Staten Island Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Inc. Title: Counselor. Alma mater: John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York; Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro University.
Current project: Bringing legal action against Sunco/ATTYX LLC solar panel company for fraud on senior citizens. Recent recognition: “Staten Island Couple alleged solar panel company misled on savings, saddled them with bills” featured on SILive.com. Recent professional development: Elected as Director for the Staten Island Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Inc. Latest accomplishment: 2024 Lawyers of Distinction – Criminal Defense Law.
Personality profile: Pitbull in a courtroom; decisive, witty. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal, fearless. Moral compass: Belief in God. What is your greatest joy? Being kind to animals, especially to my dog Buddy. What natural talent have you neglected? Singing in a rock and roll band.
What was your first paying job? Retail store clerk. What was your favorite college course? Law. What book have you repeatedly read? The Bible. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Jersey Boys and Bohemian Rhapsody. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my dog Buddy the Wonder Dog. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11.
What change would you like to see in the world? Ridding the World of would-be fascist dictators and their minions. What message do you want to send out into the world? Never let anyone stand in your way. Be a leader not a follower. What widely held belief do you reject? There is no reason to reinvent the wheel.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Don’t Stop Believin’. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Robert DeNiro. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Other than my dad, Mickey Mantle. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Centerfielder for the New York Yankees. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My dog’s ashes. What advice would you give your younger self? Always trust your instincts. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? July 2, 2004.
Personal mission: Ridding the world of dictators and terrorists. Personal motto: Don’t stop believing. Desired epitaph: He never let anyone stand in his way.
