I was born the youngest of three in South Philadelphia to Italian immigrant parents. My dad died when I was fourteen, and my mom had little work-life experience. That summer was the last time I was not employed.
Work and school were basically all I knew, with one exception. I met the love of my life when I was fifteen.
With Jean Marie’s encouragement, I earned a full Merit Scholarship to Temple University, graduating at the top of my class with Departmental Honors.
After graduation, we got married, and with her encouragement, I graduated from Widener University School of Law.
As part of my career, I strive to embody Christian values by volunteering to represent those in need. I did not realize how much of that I was doing until I was told that, on the heels of the bicentennial of the Constitution, Supreme Court Justice William Brennan was coming to Philadelphia to present me with an award for my volunteer work. To this day, it hangs proudly on my wall.
In 2001, the world changed for everyone. I was not excluded. My law partner was activated to military service, and I wanted to enlist. He told me that I could not, but I could join the Civil Air Patrol.
I have been fortunate to serve and achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. As a Wing Legal Officer and Inspector General, I got to mentor young cadets to live by the Air Force Cadet Honor Code: “I will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.”
Additionally, I had the opportunity to support our community through my service as a Mission Flight Crew member in search-and-rescue missions, such as those following Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Katrina.
Approximately ten years ago, I experienced a life-changing event that completely transformed my personal life. Not only did I overcome that challenge, but my practice was redirected to getting justice for seniors and their families. Seniors who have been damaged, abused, or neglected in any situation or institution.
Today, I manage a successful general practice focused on litigation, and I take special pride in our work in preventing and stopping nursing home abuse through education and, when appropriate, litigation.
