Nicknames: Angi

Family: My wife Renia, and sons Matthew and Ben.

How did you and Renia meet? We were part of a friend group. She was best friends with the sister of the girlfriend of one of my fraternity brothers. We were friends for about seven years before we started dating.

Do you have any pets? Two dogs — a black Lab named Bodhan and an Australian Shepherd mix named Indy — and one cat, Daxter.

How long have you lived in Newtown? Since 2007.

What do you do for work? I own Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro in Newtown. We opened in 2005.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I wanted to own my own business. I had a penchant for the restaurant business. I worked as a busboy and I liked it. I like busy work. I knew I couldn’t work in an office.

Are you a member of any clubs, organizations and/or communities of faith? I’m a member of St Rose.

If you could spend the day with one person, living or deceased, who would you choose and why? My grandfather Angelo. He died before I was born and I’ve always heard wonderful things about him. He was a kind, generous person, always in a good mood, and he would give the shirt off his back.

What is the most recent movie you’ve seen in the theater? Conclave

Favorite actors? Paul Rudd and Isabella Rossellini

Do you have any pet peeves? Open signs lit when a business is obviously closed.

Favorite color? Mazda red, which is the same as the Ford red. I just love that color.

Favorite food? Italian, of course. Pasta, for sure.

What is something you cannot live without? My wife Renia.

What is your favorite thing about Newtown? The people, how they supported local businesses during COVID, how we look out for one another, and of course the scenery and natural beauty like dirt roads.

Is there something you’d like to see The Newtown Bee cover, or cover further? I think The Newtown Bee does an amazing job. It covers all the bases. I can’t think of anything you guys could do better.

Do you have a personal credo? The solution to your challenges lies in the things you are avoiding.