Emil Di Vago was born in the latter part of the twentieth century in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. His father, of Italian descent, originated from the West, probably Mayo. His mother was Daly from South Donegal. Although it has never been firmly established, it is quite possible that his father's ancestor was a mariner or soldier serving in the Spanish fleet during the ill-fated Armada expedition, and that his ship foundered off the West Coast.

Little or no trace can be found of the name in any records or archives, and the author himself is reluctant to discuss either parent, other than to confirm they have both been deceased for many years.

Having completed his sentence of a Jesuit education, he could not wait to commence his travels into the real world, to achieve a 'proper' education and experience fulfilment of life.