I was born and raised in Saratoga Springs and have spent most of my life within 30 miles of downtown. I love the history of such a fascinating city. Some of my experiences are personal and some are stories my father told me about Saratoga’s past. He was born in the city in 1916 and except for WW 2 lived here all his life. I want to preserve as much of Saratoga as I can.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the widowed father of 2 children and 2 grandchildren having lost my wife of 37 years in 2012 to pancreatic cancer. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother who all graduated from Saratoga High School but are now stretched across the country
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My last position was as the wine consultant to DeCrescente Distributing but people most know me for being at Saratoga National for 13 years. I am now somewhat retired
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorites are Osteria Danny and 15 Church. I love the renovations at the Adelphi and eating at Morrissey’s. That’s what Saratoga was when I was younger.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been around Saratoga all my life and am now living in Galway but hang around downtown Saratoga frequently. one of my first jobs was working for NYRA as a teenager at the racecourse
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Bill Parcells. We have become good friends and we chat or text about once a week while he is in Florida. I also loved MaryLou and John
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Kauai, Hawaii. my wife and I vacationed there 7 times between 1986 and 2012 when she passed away.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption and I watch Law and Order the original and SVU
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always use the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you wish for them to do unto you. That has been my mantra all my life. I try to treat everyone the same
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To visit every state in the United States. I have a few to go.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Beatles
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I am a thoroughbred horse junkie. I love Saratoga Race Track and visit frequently. Whether I win or lose it is great entertainment.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would meet outside at Morrissey’s to be with that person and enjoy the foot traffic that is Broadway with anyone who wants to talk about Saratoga from the 1920’s until today. I absolutely love the history of this great city
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There still exist Victorian architecture on Broadway and Union Avenue and North Broadway. That’s what I appreciate about Saratoga and its history
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
hopefully at least a 50% or more resident of somewhere near Saratoga and maybe somewhere warmer the rest with someone who loves to travel
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a bad temper that I have always kept in check when with friends and at work. been very good for the last 9 years
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Na Pali coast in Kauai
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
August. Because August in the Saratoga place to be. My anniversary to my lovely wife that I still commemorate each year. December 30th. My birthday, as well as, Tiger Woods. LeBron James and Sandy Koufax
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I have met a lot of great people associated with racing, owners, trainers, jockeys and employees of NYRA that I have built long term friendships.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I try to inspire myself to set an good and honest example for my children and grandchildren
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh Baked Bread and newly cut grass and since I have 4.33 acres of grass, I get to enjoy it Frequently
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Health, Happiness and security
