I was born Dean Salvatore Ciallella on March 11, 1971 to JoAnne Termini and John G. Ciallella. In those days, only one parent had to work and the mom would always stay home. My father worked very hard to get us out of our five floor walk-up Bronx apartment. My room was large- they gave me the master bedroom. A chubby, rambuncious child with a full head of hair at birth, watching the days turn into nights out of a window facing the street of E 242 st. I would experience a life wished upon not even on one's worst enemy.
As an only child for many years, it was a wonder what it would be like to share my parents with other siblings. Even at this very young age, I do remember only 3. Today, things are VERY different. Considering the changes, I still have my mother to confide in after nearly 35 years together. A sister was born on April 17, 1975. It would change my life forever. I now had somebody who shared my parents. It was interesting to say the least.
I remember always protecting my sister no matter what the circumstances. I didn't even think about being a rock star until my early teens. All I knew at that time was playing with my Star Wars figure collection with my cousin Steve and doing things with my sister. We would watch television, read highlights magazine, or make tapes. I was happy my sister did not have to experience the rotton bronx. I mostly remember waiting on the steps of my apartment building with my mother for my father to come home from work. Music never entered my mind.
In 1978, my father and I were in Caldors buying records. I remember seeing a Paul Stanley album. It was the year Kiss temporarily broke up to do solo albums. This album was so cool! It even came with a jigsaw puzzle- style poster. I was hooked. The music still didn't take effect. Paul Stanley looked cool in his leather and make-up. Ironically, I also bought an Elvis Presley lp as well. I do not remember the other 3 lps. They were only 99 cents. Image made a difference. Something I kept in mind.