By Steve Svetovich

Dunmore’s Vince Sardo, 58, is living proof anyone can overcome hardships and hard times. And he’s used those life experiences to write an international best selling book.

He will promote that best-seller during a book launch Friday, October 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Scranton Art Haus, 301 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton.

Son of the late John “Beansey” Sardo and Nancy Alunni Bevan, the best-selling author is a retired Dunmore fireman. He worked for the Dunmore Fire  Department for 19 years, retiring in 2019. He took after his late dad, who was a Dunmore firefighter from 1966 through 1995. His dad died in 2022.

Sardo’s book, entitled “Legs on a Table,” is about overcoming adversity. He interviewed 18 people who overcame adversity to become successful in life. Noted local business owner and entrepreneur John Basalyga is one of his subjects.

“It’s about the four core pillars that turn dreams into reality,” Sardo said. “You need to be determined, resilient, persistent and love yourself.

“This book is about people who experienced fear and failure and came out of it,” Sardo explains. “I’ve been part of a religious cult and came out of it. I was clinically dead years ago from drugs and came out of that alive.

“This is a love story about overcoming adversity in life. It’s my story and that of 18 others.”

The book was released August 21 and soon hit number one in three categories on Amazon in America.

A motivational speaker, Sardo enjoys writing and became very goa- oriented following his retirement from the Dunmore Fire Department. He held various leadership positions in the fire department such as secretary, treasurer, vice president and lobbyist/legislative liaison.

“Those leadership roles most definitely helped me in life,” he said. “Those roles helped to inspire this book.”

Sardo’s debut book, “Legs on a Table: The Four Pillars to Transform Dreams into Reality,” reached number one in the Inspirational Personal Testimonies category on Amazon USA  and Testimonies category on Amazon Canada, highlighting its powerful message of resilience and transformation.

The book launch signing at the Scranton Art Haus will provide attendees the opportunity to meet Sardo, hear about his inspirations for the book, and get copies signed.

The book features his personal story of overcoming near-death experience and rebuilding his life, along with the other 18 everyday champions who faced and triumphed over significant challenges. From Basalyga, who built a successful real estate career from humble beginnings, to Joseph Barna, a World War II veteran who became a published author at 93, and Dr. Jill Murray, who rose from driving a UPS truck to becoming President of Lackawanna College, the book offers practical insights on resilience, determination and the power of self-belief.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support the book has received,” said Sardo. “These stories are meant to inspire people, no matter where they are in life. I’m thrilled to celebrate this journey with the community.”

Sardo’s best-selling book, available on Amazon, features a 30-day action plan to help readers implement practical lessons from the book in their own lives. The book is also a best-seller on Amazon Canada.

“There was a time when I thought my story had already ended,” said Sardo. “That came January 1, 1990. I was lying on a hospital bed after a drug overdose. My heart had stopped. I was only 23 years old.

“I had lost everything. I lost my business, marriage, and nearly my life. I was clinically dead.

“In that dark, suspended moment, I faced the truth. I had become everything I never wanted to be. I had become a quitter, filled with failure and  disappointment.”

“But against all odds, I survived,” Sardo explains. “ And in that moment, I made a vow that if I ever got a second chance, I would not waste it.

“That’s why I wrote this book. I wrote it to share the tools that helped me rebuild my life and to show that no matter how many times you fail, that you can also rise. This book isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance. It’s about reclaiming your dreams, potential and life.

“With the right mindset and actions, you can turn even the darkest moments into stepping stones.”

The Dunmore native is the proud father of three children: Angel, 32; Shala, 30, and Vincent Rocco, 28.