I was born in New York City and raised on Long Island in Levittown. I moved out to Arizona when I was 21. There I worked as a maintenance mechanic, building remodeler, tool and die shop worker, museum conservation assistant, archaeological field technician, landscaper, construction worker, and a few other things. I put about 20,000 miles on a bicycle and hiked about 1000 miles in the state. I also obtained my college degrees and taught at a middle school for four years. I came back to New York State for family and water in 1999.

Hobbies and activities include: Playing frisbee with my dogs, hiking, road cycling, reading, swimming, playing the baritone horn, travel, and various other things.