I grew up in St. Leo’s parish where I attended the grammar school and graduated in 1963. I went Leo High School and graduated in 1967.
Upon graduating from Leo, I attended the College of Automation for computer training. Upon completion, I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968. After basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, I did my AIT training at the artillery school at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. I then went on to become a paratrooper at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After jump school, I got assigned to the 82 nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. From there I was sent to finance school at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. I then went back to Ft. Bragg where I worked in the data processing department. I was promoted to supervisor of data processing while working there.
After leaving the Army in 1970, I worked at Sears for 22 years. When I started there, I worked in the Data Processing Department (thanks to the letters of recommendation from my Staff Sargent and Colonel at the 82nd Airborne Division). I went on to become the Purchasing Manager for Sears Tower.
I have been married to my current wife Tracy for 25 years and together for 30. I have one son, Jim, three grandchildren and two great granddaughters. My grandson, Mike, served five years in the Marines. My grandson, Gavin, is currently serving a four-year term in the Air Force. My granddaughter Hayley is busy is busy taking care of her two daughters.
Before moving to my current home in Oak Lawn, I lived in St Bernadette parish in Evergreen Park for 25 years where I was a church usher. My wife Tracy and I are currently parishioners at St Linus parish in Oak Lawn.
After retirement, I served as a volunteer at the Oak Lawn Veterans clinic. I am currently a Director of the Leo High School Alumni Association and an active participant in the monthly meetings. I am currently running the fundraising brick program at Leo High School.
I have been a DAV member since October of 2019. I volunteered for the DAV Christmas party. I also helped procure shirts and jackets for the DAV. I have been an Officer of the DAV since April of 2020.