I was born in New York City and spent most of my childhood there and on Long Island. I moved around a bit living in New Jersey, Ohio and California before moving to Wilton. I’ve spent most of my career in banking and finance, but I served seven years as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and Special Agent with the Department of Defense.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Mary and I met purely by chance 46 years ago in Lake George. We’ll celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary in February. We’re blessed that our son Brian and daughter-in-law Kim, and our daughter Meg, her husband Chris and our grandchildren live nearby.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I had a 35 year career in the investment and banking fields. I made a dramatic change 10 years ago leaving my position as President and CEO of Saratoga National Bank to write a book.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I spend a lot of time writing at Uncommon Grounds, so much so that I call it, “the office.” Cantina, Sushi Thai, 550 Lake and The Old Bryan Inn are among other favorites.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved here in 1984. It was among the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There’s a long list of fascinating people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. If I have to choose one, I’d pick Patrick Pipino. Patrick’s one of those rare individuals whose heart is always in the right place.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My avocations are hiking and mountain climbing. I would travel to Alaska to climb North America’s highest peak, Denali.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love inspiring sports stories like Field of Dreams, The Natural, Rudy and Remember The Titans.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I offer the words of statesman and philosopher Johann Goethe. “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Ascend to the highest point in all 50 states. I have 15 done and 35 to go.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Doobie Brothers
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Being the grandson of Irish immigrant grandparents, I have to go with The Parting Glass.
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’d love to chat over a cup of tea at Uncommon Grounds with Yuichiro Miuri, who is the oldest person to summit Mount Everest at age 80 years 224 days.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I don’t think there is a community in America with more generous, engaged, caring people and devoted not for profit organizations.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Enjoying the heck out of time with family and friends, writing stories, ascending mountains and savoring adventures in the wilderness.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I play the guitar and banjo.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
That’s a tough one. I’ll go with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
March is my favorite month as winter evolves into spring. The best single day is December 24th when our extended family gets together to celebrate Christmas Eve.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
An above average day in the wilderness or on a mountain.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children and grandchildren.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
My favorite smell is a field of wildflowers.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
One may escape to the wilderness looking for an answer to the meaning of life, but you’re most likely to discover it when you return home.
