Ed Vega - Early Years

Early Years

Edgardo Vega Yunqué was born in Ponce to Alberto Vega, a Baptist minister, and Abigail Yunqué, and lived in Cidra, Puerto Rico, until his family moved to the South Bronx in 1949. Even as a child he loved to read, and became familiar with many of the great European works. His seminal influences included Cervantes, Azorín, Borges, Unamuno, Lope de Vega, Victor Hugo, and members of the Generation of '27 literary movement.

Upon graduating from high school in 1954, he joined the United States Air Force.

During his leave time Vega focused on reading and analysis of American literature, after finding a large collection of books at his sister's house.

After his Air Force service Vega attended Santa Monica College, and eventually got his degree from New York University. He dropped out of school temporarily after the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, and worked in East Harlem as part of the war on poverty.

Vega was married to Pat Vega née Patricia Jean Schumacher on December 31, 1961; their marriage ended in divorce in 1997. They had three children: Alyson, Matthew, and the artist Tim Vega. Vega was also the stepfather of Suzanne Vega.