After graduating from high school, I remained in Hicksville because I was a bit undecided about my future and I began working at Newsday as a proof boy.
Just about all us kids worked while in high school (mostly everyone) but that work was to make the dollar an hour that helped buy things you wanted. Not that our parents wouldn't buy for us...it was more of a personal "growing up" scenario.
I spent a year at Newsday and it was a long process to achieve other printer positions.
I began working at an electronics factory that manufactured timing units that went in washing machines and other timing equipment. When sales dropped off for the company I was laid off.
During this time my brother-in-law Bill Donlon suggested I join the Navy reserves and I signed up.
My next job was with a manufacturing company that manufactured nails and screws. I was there about a year when I had to start my two years active duty with the Navy in 1964. I spent two years on a Destroyer, USS Beatty DD-756. I was able to visit Europe and the Middle East during our Ocean Voyages.
I received an honorable discharge in March 1966 with the rank of DK3.
In April 1966 I began employment with the IBM Corporation on Madison Avenue, New York City in the mailroom. I retired from IBM after 32 years and worked as a contractor for them for 5 additional years.
I married Rita in October 1967 and we lived in Greenpoint , Brooklyn for one year and then moved to Parsippany, New Jersey. Our son was born in January 1969 and unfortunately died in 1998 due to complications from Epilepsy. Our daughter was born in 1976 , married in 2003 and has two children a boy and a girl. Needless to say my wife and I are thrilled with the opportunity to share our lives with our grandchildren.
I have been working for about 5 years for a Manufacturing Company working with the Controller on finances and also Human Resources.
In October 2017 my wife and I will be celebrating 50 years of marriage.
My growing up years in Hicksville were wonderful and if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change anything.
