This story begins in a small neighborhood along the Niagara River in Tonawanda New York. Many immigrants or “Shanty Irish” as they were called, lived in Black Rock.  Thomas William and Gertrude Finnigan raised eight children at 92 Gallatin Avenue.

Thomas worked as a Conductor for the New York Central Railroad, leaving early each morning, he rode the trains each day and returned late in the evening. His wife Gertrude managed their family of eight, kept their home spick, and span and baked cookies and pastries that her oldest son Charlie sold pulling a wagon around the neighborhood.   

The family’s life changed with the heartbreaking passing of Gertrude at the age of forty one. With Thomas gone all day, Charlie became head of the household, managing his younger brothers and sisters. While Charlie’s friends we playing baseball and courting girls, Charlie was learning how creative kids could be in avoiding chores, making excuses, pranks, arguments, and mischief. Charlie never imagined what this experience was preparing him for.

Charlie met the love of his life Marie at the Buffalo Canoe Club, a meeting place for those living on Bryant Street, an upscale neighborhood in Buffalo. They fell in love and were married at St Josephs Catholic church, she wearing a beautiful dress and Charlie a suit that did not quite fit.

Charlie taught the older boys to cook and clean house, Marie cared for the children, packed lunches for school, helped with homework and more importantly taught the family discipline, creativity and charm. Charlie measured Marie’s life by her influence on the children that they would carry their entire lives.

Seven children in a home filled with conversation, laughter, arguments, and the endless activity that comes with a busy family and Mother who filled it with joy, often piano music drifting through the home as Marie sang and played a gentle lullaby and or a popular song of the day.

Marie was expecting their eighth child when tragedy struck. Late in her term Marie developed an ear infection and by the time she delivered Shelia, it had progressed to blood poisoning.  Charlie lost newborn Shelia and Marie who was just thirty eight years of age.

So how did Charlie, in a time of the great depression and a world war deal with the adversity at home and a career in telephony at the same time? How did he lead his family from a travesty to incredible inventions, global consulting, outstanding awards and familiies with 29 grandchildren? 

              TO FIND OUT - READ THIS INCREDIBLE STORY!