I began my journey from Mt. Lebanon in 1972 looking to become the ruler of time, space and dimension.
US Navy – 1972-1976
I spent 4 years in the US Navy as an electrician on board the USS Inchon, a helicopter carrier where I learned useful terms like “make a hole” (move out of the way), “geedunk” (ships store), “NUB” (non-useable body), “boot” (newbie to most of you), “smoking lamp” (lighted not lit). I was a starting guard on our ship’s basketball team and got to play several games against the Egyptian Army teams in Cairo as well as two French National teams in Cannes. Got to meet Richard Nixon in June 1974 when he was in Egypt to moderate the “Arab-Israeli” dispute. He visited our ship which was docked in Port Said (we were mine sweeping the Suez Canal). An interesting tidbit is that I got to go sail boating on the Suez Canal! Met a lot of great people and I continue to be part of the USS Inchon Association. We have a reunion every 18 months
#14 on the scorecard but #1 in your hearts!
College Years 1976 - 1980
Somehow, I got accepted to Penn State! It was certainly different being 4 years older than the other students. I was stunned by how many of the 18/19-year-old girls wanted to hang around with me! I soon realized it was all about “legal” alcohol! Ended up getting an Associate in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communications. Spent my last two years at PSU as the Veterans Coordinator on campus. I did graduate Magnum Cum Lager. Probably most proud of the fact I came out of college debt free!
Life’s Work - 1980 - 2019
I remember graduating May 2, 1980, and on Monday May 5, 1980, I started my first job as a sales engineer for an electric motor and pump repair facility in Erie PA. Moved back to Pittsburgh a few years later. Worked for several companies over the years, mostly in a sales manager capacity. I am a co-owner/author of a patent for a regulating device used in automatic HVLP painting systems. No money in it but I have a patent! Even though my background was electrical, I spent the bulk of my career working with industrial and municipal pumps sales. Finally got tired of traveling so in 2018 I accepted a position in my company as Director of Inside Sales. In late 2019 my company was downsizing so I took an opportunity for an early retirement. I have yet to regret that decision!
Family and other stuff!
I got married between my sophomore and junior year at PSU to my wife Suzie. We have been married for over 43 years. We have 2 kids, Ryan, and Kelly, and 2 grandchildren, Troy, and Julia. My son is a PSU graduate and my daughter graduated from Limestone College. One of the perks of being in sales is playing golf. For over 30 years I played close to 60 rounds of golf a year! I have had 2 certified double eagles but never a hole in one! The highlight of my golfing career was in 1983 I got to play a round of golf at the at Kahkwa Country Club in Erie PA with Fred Biletnikoff! Right place at the right time! My back went bad about 7-8 years ago and it was back to boating and fishing. I now keep a 22’ walleye boat docked on Lake Erie and occasionally bring home some fish to justify my purchase!
I am still active in veteran activities both at the ELKS and the American Legion. We decided to sell the house and move to Meadville PA for the weather! I am also proud to say I am the only Mt. Lebanon grad to have been to the nexus of the universe…
On a side note, I am still pursuing my dream of being the ruler of time, space and dimension but on a fixed budget now!