My life since 1967 has had many ups and downs, but I have no regrets. After graduation from NPHS in 1967, I began my college days at PMC in Chester (as a civilian) living at home in Wallingford – basically it was “Grade 13”.  I could handle only one year of that and decided to transfer to HappyValley (PennsylvaniaStateUniversity, State College) for my final three years. I started out majoring in Business Administration.  When the Selective Service System decided to create the “lottery” I became quite concerned about going to Viet Nam – therefore I changed my major to Education so that I wouldn’t be drafted from college.  I graduated (somehow) with a BS in Secondary Mathematics Education. Mr. Smith would have been proud of me.  Incidentally, several years later I ended up teaching with his wife in the Delaware County Man Power Program. My first teaching job was at ChesterHigh School, what an eye opening experience.  One year of that was plenty. Well, I better speed this up or it’ll take until the next reunion read it all.  I continued my teaching in Lancaster, PA then went to work for the Armstrong Cork Company as an Industry Products Marketing Representative.  Several years and teaching careers later, I went back to MayrwoodUniversity for my Masters of Education, and then decided to leave teaching “forever”.

Since wood working was always a hobby of mine (Mr. Wilkinson also would have been proud) I became a glorified/educated handyman.  Over the next few years, I taught myself every trade and became a kitchen & bath remodeling specialist and later, a general contractor and interior designer for the next twenty six years. Even though I was a general contractor I still continued to do much of the physical work which took its toll on two of my disc levels in my lower back.  I left the contracting business and took an interim position at HarcumCollege as Program Director of the Business and Professional Studies Department teaching Interior Design and various internet courses.  I missed the kitchen & bath business, so back to pounding nails once again.  About a year ago, I started a vacation home inspection service called "ShoreEyes" (www.shoreeyes.com) where we inspect vacation homes for the homeowners in the off season.  I later expanded into some speculative Real Estate Investments in the Poconos and will be building homes in DelawareCounty (Wallingford, South Media and Upland).  As a result of ignoring my back issues, I finally gave in to the pain and two surgeries since March of this year – I’m still recovering and finally doing much better.  I was concerned that my recovery time would keep me from attending this reunion, but I’ll be there.

After my divorce (2nd time) I stayed in close contact with my step-daughter, Tara (36) who is now married and has given me two wonderful grandsons, Alec (8) and Michael (almost 6).  They are such a joy and great addition to my life.

My girlfriend & I enjoy traveling.  Last year we won a trip to Paris, but we were so pressed for time that we went there for a long weekend.  What a whirlwind vacation. We especially like traveling to Cancun where we’ve gone about 18 times.  I’d like to say that Senior Ferrell would be proud, but I still can’t speak very much Spanish, except “Una mas tequila por favor”

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Reunion Committee for putting together such a great event, especially the “virtual reunion” which convinced me to attend.  Muchas Gracias!