How would you describe your career history? I graduated from college in ‘68, worked a summer at Goddard Space Flight Center, spent 20 years in the Air Force, then 20 years at Sikorsky. My dad flew in World War II, so I have this thing for the Air Force. I was in the Space Track System, satellite tracking, and started off as an orbital analyst working inside Cheyenne Mountain at the NORAD Space Flight Center. We had big radars aimed over Russia looking for missiles taking off. I figured if I did 20 years, I could fit in a 20 year career someplace else. At Sikorsky, I ended up on the design team for the S-92 model aircraft, designed from scratch. I learned a lot doing that and ended up as the deputy program manager for avionics.

Who is in your family? My wife and I have two kids. My daughter lives in Maine, and my son lives in Sturbridge.

Do you have any pets? We have a dog named Emma, who is an honorary yellow lab. The AKC has a program where they’ll issue honorary papers for a dog if it looks enough like a purebred.

How long have you lived in town? At least 18 years.

What do you like to do in your free time? Puzzle Page, an app with lots of different puzzles. I like crossword, Code Word, and sudoku.

What is your favorite book? I really like books about the Vikings and the Britains, about back when the Vikings were raiding England.

What organizations are you a part of in town? I belong to the American Legion.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life? My wife, Susan.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose? My wife.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Benny Goodman.

What is the greatest advice you’ve ever been given? Find something you really want to do, and then go do it.

What is something you cannot live without? Susan.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Surviving to the age of 77.

What is your favorite travel destination? Hawaii.

What is the best part of Newtown? The way the town pulled together after Sandy Hook. I still very much remember the long lines of cards, letters, and well-wishes were lined up in boxes on tables in the library and town hall. Just incredible.

What would you like The Newtown Bee to cover in the future? I like feel-good stuff.