I'm retired. I was an educator for 41 years; most of it was in the classroom as a science teacher then I went to "the dark side" in administration. I retired as an assistant superintendent in New Fairfield, that was my last position. It was a great career. I was blessed and lucky; I worked with some great people.Occupation:

Now I am heavily involved in senior issues with the Commission of Aging. It is now being recognized with a charter, which I think is a big step forward. Curt Symes has done a lot of good things bringing visibility to the commission

Also, I am part of a nonprofit, all-volunteer group called Friends of Newtown Seniors. I am very excited about it. I believe Newtown can become a model for age-friendly communities. I think it is important people see the senior community as equal partners. It is a very vital community in this town.

Family: My wife, Vicki, and I just celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary. We are looking forward to doing a big 50th bash next year. She is truly my partner, my support, and my friend. Every aspect of our lives are intertwined. We have two children. My son John, Jr, lives in town and is married to Cindy. They have two children John III and Sabrina. My daughter Maria is married to Mike Cairo. He is an executive with GE and just recently moved to Boston, because of GE relocating to Boston. I have a big family in the area and they are all terrific people. Not a bad one in the bunch.

Hobby: I wrote a book called One God, One GoalThe Life and Times of a Newtown Bear. It's a very cute story. I illustrated it, and Vicki wrote it.. I am very proud of it. It took me three years to put it together. It is self-published. It's basically a discussion about religion and what it can and should be. The second part of the book is a comparison of the seven major religions that account for most of the population of the world. The book is basically storytelling. I take the Joseph Campbell approach. In each chapter there is a personal vignette then it is tied to something else. I try to bring out the bigger concept. I have also collaborated with my wife on a children's book called

How long have you lived in Newtown? We have been here 12 years. Before that we lived most of our life in Stamford. Before that we lived in Rockville for a year.

What do you like to do in your free time? Painting is a real interest of mine. I would love to do portraits. Bike riding is another thing I like to do. I exercise regularly. Also, I like working with my hands; I built three homes in Newtown. I have done a little pottery - that's something new I've just tried. It's a challenge, it's fun, it's very interesting.

Do you have a favorite book or author? My reading is pretty eclectic. I like nonfiction and when people have accomplished something and have a story to tell. I have also read a lot of young adult books like Harry Potter and the Percy Jackson series, because my grandkids are reading them and it gives me a way to communicate with them. This summer, I read The Wright Brothers, Boys in a Boat, The Sparrow, The Other Daughter, and When Breath Becomes Air. I also finished The Invention of Wings. It was excellent, and I think it is a book that should be read widely.

What is your favorite travel destination? Out of all the places I have been, it has to be Italy. We have been back to the hometown of my father because he had immigrated here. He has since passed away. We also visited where my mother's family is from. I would go back every year if I could.

You take the drive on Castle Hill and get to that little rise where you can see the churches and the flag - it's iconic. Also, we have some wonderful friends here. The friends we've made are absolutely amazing. The people are just great people.What is the best thing about Newtown?

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents and my family. There were five boys and one girl. They are just such great people. We had a lifestyle that was a guys' atmosphere; it was cars, my oldest brother build a boat, it was just fun. We worked for our dad when I was very young. When I was 12 I was already doing a man's day of work. My dad was the great philosopher and storyteller, and he was the talker. My mom was the great listener. When I was a young person, there is no doubt in my mind, the most important thing in the whole world at that moment when I was talking to my mother was me and what I was saying. Parents need to leave kids with that feeling.

If you could spend the day with anyone, who would you choose? It would be wonderful to actually sit with my parents and fill them in on everything, what everyone is the family is doing and get their reaction. That would be a fantastic way to spend the day. Unfortunately, we lost my mom very early, she didn't even make it out of her 50s. My dad lived to 89, but he's been dead quite some time. It would be really fun to spend the day to show them around and talk and have them meet everyone.

What is the greatest advice you have ever been given? My father said, "You can never go wrong doing the right thing."