Childhood and Education Journey of Curtis Sliwa in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Curtis Sliwa. A timeline of key moments.

Curtis Sliwa is an American activist and radio talk show host best known as the founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels, a non-profit dedicated to crime prevention through citizen patrols. He has a long history of community activism and a colorful public persona. In 2021, he ran as the Republican candidate for Mayor of New York City, ultimately losing to Eric Adams. Sliwa's political stances often reflect a conservative viewpoint within the context of New York City politics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

March 26, 1954: Curtis Sliwa's Birth

On March 26, 1954, Curtis Sliwa, an American activist, radio talk show host, and founder of the Guardian Angels, was born.

Others born on this day/year

May 1977: Creation of the Magnificent 13

In May 1977, Curtis Sliwa established the "Magnificent 13", a civilian group aimed at fighting violence on the New York City Subway amidst a crime wave.

1981: Marriage to Lisa Evers

In 1981, Curtis Sliwa married his second wife, Lisa Evers, who was the National Director of the Guardian Angels and co-hosted a radio show called Angels in the Morning.

1986: Training with the WWF

In 1986, Lisa Evers, Curtis Sliwa's then-wife, briefly trained with the World Wrestling Federation.

June 19, 1992: Kidnapping and Shooting of Curtis Sliwa

On June 19, 1992, Curtis Sliwa was kidnapped and shot by two gunmen after entering a stolen taxi in Manhattan. He escaped by leaping from the moving cab and underwent surgery for his injuries.

2000: Marriage to Mary Galda

In 2000, Curtis Sliwa married his third wife, Mary (née Galda), a former WABC employee and Guardian Angels' national director.

2004: Birth of Son Anthony

Around 2004, Curtis Sliwa and his then-wife Mary had a son named Anthony.

September 20, 2005: Gotti Trial Ends Without Conviction

On September 20, 2005, after three attempts, three separate juries could not agree to convict John A. Gotti on any of the charges brought against him related to the attempted murder of Curtis Sliwa, and the charges were dropped.

2010: Diagnosed with Cancer

In 2010, Curtis Sliwa was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

April 20, 2011: Public Announcement of Cancer Diagnosis

On April 20, 2011, Curtis Sliwa publicly announced his diagnosis with prostate cancer.

2014: Separation from Melinda Katz

In 2014, Curtis Sliwa separated from Melinda Katz, the Queens County District Attorney, after a relationship where they had two children conceived in vitro.

2016: Didn't support Trump

In 2016, Curtis Sliwa did not support Donald Trump in the election.

July 5, 2018: Marriage to Nancy Regula

On July 5, 2018, Curtis Sliwa married his longtime girlfriend, animal activist and attorney Nancy Regula, at the Howe Caverns.

December 2019: Sliwa Hates Trump

In December 2019, Curtis Sliwa declared in an interview that he hated then-President of the United States Donald Trump, calling him a "screwball and a crackpot".

2019: Mary's Marriage to David Paterson

In 2019, Curtis Sliwa's ex-wife Mary became Mary Paterson after marrying former New York State governor David Paterson.

2020: Campaign Clash Over Trump

During the 2020 campaign, Mateo voiced support for Trump's claim that he won the 2020 presidential election; by contrast, Sliwa did not support Trump in either 2016 or 2020 and does not support Trump's election denial.

February 2021: Switches Back to Republican Party

In February 2021, weeks after Trump left office, Curtis Sliwa switched his registration back to the Republican Party.

January 2023: Rodent Problem Solution

In January 2023, after his loss, Curtis Sliwa brought two cats outside the Brooklyn home of Eric Adams, after the latter had been fined for rodent violations, suggesting that feral cats could address the rodent problem in the city.