Joe DeGregorio gave up being Jack Bauer to tell tales of the neighborhood he grew up in.
Like the fictional spy of "24," DeGregorio spent many years in counterintelligence.
"I was a federal agent for the Defense Security Service," the 60-year old said.
The Defense Security Service is an agency within the Department of Defense that oversees the protection of classified information handled by the defense industry.
In his role, DeGregorio worked in counterespionage, counterintelligence and counterterrorism. DeGregorio said he could not provide any details of cases he worked on.
"It was an immensely rewarding career with no regrets," said DeGregorio, who retired in 2004 after 30 years of service.
In 2006, DeGregorio literally followed in his father's footsteps. As lone proprietor of Guided Tours on The Hill, DeGregorio takes his clients to many of the same places frequented by his father, Roland, who gave tours of the neighborhood.
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DeGregorio's father started giving tours of The Hill in 1980. The tour business grew out of the constant questions Roland DeGregorio fielded from friends and acquaintances.
"For him, it was a passion," DeGregorio said. "He did it for 25 years, until his legs couldn't carry him anymore."
DeGregorio's tours can run for two hours or as long as six hours. The abbreviated version covers the same landmarks, restaurants and shops, but given more time, DeGregorio offers up more history, anecdotes and trivia.
Stops include Hall of Fame Place, numerous eateries for samples and demonstrations, a church, a bocce court and a craft store. Roland DeGregorio hit many of the same destinations.
However, the younger DeGregorio has put his own twist to the tours. People not only learn about culinary dishes, they see how they are made. Ravioli demonstrations, sausage-making and bocce lessons are highlights.
"I wanted to make it entertaining and enlightening at the same time," said DeGregorio, who lives in St. Francois County and also spends time at his parent's house on the Hill.
DeGregorio gives tours year around. The cost is $5 to $9.
"I'm walking in my father's footsteps with pride to entertain and educate others about the Hill," DeGregorio said.
For more information, call (314) 602-3359.