Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When I was six months old my parents moved to Bergenfield, New Jersey. I had the opportunity to work since I was very young. At the age of eight I started working in my Aunt's grocery store, Polizzotto’s Market, in Passaic, New Jersey. Attended Bergenfield High School. After high school I attended Bergen Community College and William Patterson State College. After two years of college I enlisted in the United States Navy for four years. I was stationed on the only white ship in the Navy and this was part of the great white fleet located in the Middle East. I met the ship in the Philippine Islands and then served on isolated duty in the Middle East on the USS LaSalle. The USS LaSalle was a miscellaneous communications, command and flagship. The goal and mission of the ship and crew was to keep good relations with the Middle East. I was assigned an administrative position in the Supply department. Throughout the service I continued my education, had the opportunity to travel extensively and experienced different cultures. My travels included the Middle East, Far East, Europe, Italy, Africa, Philippines and Ireland as well as three-quarters of the world and half of the states. I separated from the service as a Petty Officer Second Class at the end of my enlistment.

At the end of my active service in the Navy I decided to relocate to the coast of Maine where I continued college and worked full time in retail management. It was here in Maine while working as the assistant department manager of Woolco automotive that I finished my education and received my business degree. After 35 years of working in retail management I decided to change careers and work with people with disabilities. My experience includes childcare with troubled youths and adolescences, group home management, special education at high school level and administrative intake and support to the homeless. After working for over ten years with people with disabilities, I continue to devote my time to the homeless and people with disabilities, providing them with programs, support and services.

Since stateside and after the service I have not relocated anywhere except to Maine from New Jersey. I continue to experience all the joys and wonders life has to offer, with Christmas being my favorite season of the year. The true meaning of Christmas comes from the joy we feel when sharing our many blessings with those in need. It is a time of caring, sharing and giving. It is a time of year to spend with family and friends, sharing gifts and fellowship with each other. The spirit of the holidays is in our caring for one another and the celebration of love. The giving that matters is not the giving of things, it is the giving of concern, compassion, caring, love, and time to others, as well as to ourselves. I continue to make the best of things for my family, my friends and myself. I enjoy being around people who are caring and concerned. I also like all the amenities in and around my home.