I am originally from Brooklyn, New York. My family moved here when I was 8 years old. I went to Lincoln Elementary, Conrad Ball Middle School, and Lov
eland High School. For the past 35 years, I have enjoyed being a high school basketball referee. I am also very involved in my nieces’ and nephews’ extra-curricular activities. I am a huge New York Yankees fan. I enjoy traveling and go on a baseball stadium tour every summer with a friend, we are trying to get to them all before he turns60 (we only have 6 or 7 left to see).
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My mother and father were both raised in Brooklyn. My father worked at a boys and girls Catholic school in New York, and then he worked at Kodak when we moved here. My mom was a housewife (which was nice having her there when I would get home from school), and part-time secretary for the church across street from our house. I am the middle child of seven kids.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career has mostly involved sporting goods of some sort (uniforms, to sporting goods themselves). Primarily customer service jobs. My current job is at Costco (been there for 8 years), and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon, as I work with good people. My goal is to eventually retire healthy and happy.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Scalzotto Italian Restaurant in downtown Loveland, there’s a great family vibe there. McGraff’s for lunch. Justine’s for pizza. Justine’s and McGraff’s both give back to the community so much, I love that and support them because of their support for the community.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here for 50 years. My parents moved here because they wanted us to have a better way of life than where New York was headed at the time. We ended up in Loveland based on a recommendation from a friend of my parents.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Artists. Mark Lundeen and George Lundeen. They have a talent that I can’t comprehend. I admire the work that they do.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Two places: Italy and Ireland. My grandfather was from Ireland. My mom has been the only one that has been to his hometown, and I would like to be the second one from my family to go there. When I travel, I like to be with the locals.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Wizard of Oz. TV Shows: Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I also like some of the old school comedies like Welcome Back, Kotter
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Try not to take things too seriously. We all have our own struggles. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy the ride. Don’t waste an opportunity. If someone asks you to go to New York City tomorrow, go! Figure out how to pay for it another day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Get a group of friends to go salmon fishing in Alaska.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
38 Special
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dairy Queen. We used to sit out there after we played basketball at the park, and watch all the people (tourists mostly) go the wrong way down the one-way road!
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?
Al Pacino – I think we’d have a good time! We would eat at Scalzotto Italian Restaurant.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how people in Loveland are loyal to each other. When things get tough, they rally around whoever needs it. It’s a tight-knit community where people look out for one another.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to be healthy and still traveling with friends. I plan to continue reffing basketball for a couple more years, just doing my thing.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a huge Phantom of the Opera fan. One of my fantasies is to play the Phantom on Broadway in front of a large crowd.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Niagara Falls is beautiful! And my happy place is Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York overlooking Brooklyn Bridge and the city.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month: July (my birth month) Holiday: 4th of July Best Single Day: Opening day of Major League Baseball.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I love being able to experience new things with family and friends. I put a lot of stock in my friends and family, and I enjoy doing fun things with them.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad. He’s been gone since 2002, but he still inspires me with memories of what he did for others. I admire his willingness to get out, get involved and give back. I still make it a point to meet up with people my dad knew and coached back in New York.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of an outdoor fire pit burning and Italian food cooking in the kitchen.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, loving, giving