Occupation: I’ve been in the financial services business, primarily banking, for the past 31 years. I am president and CFO of Newtown Savings Bank. I joined the bank in 1998, and I was promoted to president just under two years ago. I have a financial background, an MBA in finance from Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y., and I am a certified public accountant (CPA). Most of my career has been in community banking, which I am passionate about. Community bankers truly believe in what they do. It’s not all about money. We take an active part in trying to help the individuals and businesses we serve. I’ve worked for several large companies throughout my career, and nothing matches the day-to-day satisfaction that I get from my job.

How Long In Newtown: I’ve been at the bank for seven years, but we moved to Sandy Hook from Orange a year ago this month. We love our home and should have moved here when my youngest son finished high school. I grew up in the Bronx, N.Y.

What About Change: Being in the banking business, one thing that is quite noticeable is the number of new homes being built over the years. Newtown is such a desirable community that we seem to be attracting new families every day. It appears that there are many families moving from lower Fairfield County where on a relative basis they can buy or build a home, have a decent amount of property and still find it affordable. Everything is relative.

Family: My wife, Linda, and I have been married for 28 years this month. We have two sons, John Jr, 25, and Brian, 22. My youngest son will be a senior this year at St Anselm’s College in New Hampshire. Over this time period, my family has lived in four towns and three states. All of my moves have been job related, and I’m extremely grateful that they have always supported these moves.

Hobbies: I love to golf. I belong to Race Brook Country Club on Route 34 in Orange. I also love hiking and bike riding — neither of which I do often enough. A couple of years ago, I made a five-borough bike tour of 42 miles around New York City. I’ve never seen the city that way. It was a great experience since I did it with the guys I grew up with.

Movies and Books: I don’t watch commercial TV at all. My wife and I enjoy movies and watch them whenever we have time. I like action films, but also love the black and white genre from the 30s and 40s. I can watch most Humphrey Bogart movies over and over. I enjoy reading novels and nonfictions and recently I was invited to join the Cellini Society of Newtown. I’m quite excited about it because it will give me an opportunity to read some great books that might not be on my radar screen. I don’t often read books twice, but JRR Tolkien’s trilogy was one that I read in college and again within the past few years.

Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere on the water. Over the years we’ve been to Ocean City, Md., the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod, and most recently to Rhode Island. We love them all. After a week, I can truly unwind.

Organizations: I recently joined the Rotary Club. I’m treasurer of the Newtown Tercentennial Committee, and chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee of the Connecticut Society of CPAs. I’m on the board of St Josephs Manor, an elderly care facility.

Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: Last year was my first experience with the Labor Day Parade. John Martocci and I rode ahead of the bank float on a golf cart and that was a blast! Although geographically Newtown is quite large, the parade gives one a feeling of community and gave me a feeling of belonging to a small town. It’s a must for all newcomers.

Personal Philosophy: I believe you make your own breaks in life, and that most things you value will come to you as a result of hard work and perseverance. I also think that success should only be measured on an individual basis. Too often we try to measure our own success against others. I think that is a certain recipe for unhappiness.