Joey Vento: A life wid'

BEFORE JUNE 2006, most people knew Joey Vento mainly for the rivalry of his Geno's Steaks with across-the-street competition Pat's King of Steaks.

Then it was reported that, in a South Philadelphia neighborhood where Mexican immigrants were settling, a controversial sign had gone up at Geno's window:

"This is AMERICA. WHEN ORDERING SPEAK ENGLISH."

An international controversy arose after the Philadelphia Human Relations Commision accused Vento, the grandson of Italian immigrants, of discrimination.

In March 2009, after a lengthy investigation, the human-relations commission decided that the sign was not discriminatory because no one was denied service.

Here's a look at other moments in the spotlight for Vento, a philanthropist who donated to causes ranging from the police to the Mummers:

* April 2010: At a rally on Independence Mall, Vento tells members of the Independence Hall Tea Party, "I don't know about you, but I want America back."

* July 2010: Immigration protesters rally outside Geno's in support of Arizona's tough new immigration law.

* August 2010: Controversy arises after Medford Township, N.J, police check Vento's home in nearby Shamong while he is on vacation. Vento had donated a motorcycle to the department.

* September 2010: It's reported that city authorities have told Vento and others that they need permits for outdoor seating.

The Health Department also cites Vento for wearing "excessive" jewelry at his cheesesteak grill. The citation was later torn up.

* April 2011: The Nutter administration turns down Vento's offer of two horse trailers for the new police mounted unit because he asks that a small plaque be placed on each noting his donation.

* Aug. 11, 2011: Vento goes to the GOP presidential debate in Iowa. He'd become a GOP favorite after reports about the "Speak English" sign.