Mary joined our board in 2016.
L’Arche Cleveland is grateful to have such a diverse group of individuals who are helping us to further our mission.
I was born and raised on the Near South Side of Chicago and married a Cleveland girl I met in college. For four years, I was a personal trust administrator at Society National Bank, taught high school Theology for thirty-five years, and was principal of St. Rocco School for one year. I have an M.A. in Religious Education and authored The Fullness of Life (an explanation of the Catholic Faith published by En Route Books and Media in 2019). I am also President of the Board of Directors of LifeWorks Ohio; emcee at Cleveland Right to Life’s annual “Bringing America Back to Life” Convention; substitute host of “From the Median” on the Salem Radio Network; write a monthly column for www.catholicstand.com; direct the annual Young Catholic Men’s Conference at the Center for Pastoral Ministry; and speak around the Diocese of Cleveland.
I read about L’Arche in college, but did not actually get involved until Jim Skerl invited me in 2007. I became a member of the L’Arche Board in 2016, served as Secretary and Vice President in 2018, and became president in 2019. In my spare time, I enjoy Daily Mass, prayer, reading, investing, walking, yard work, and an occasional cigar.
I first became involved with L’Arche as a high school junior, joining the inaugural group of St. Ignatius students guided by the late Jim Skerl in the “Friends with L’Arche” group. We attended monthly dinners at the homes, something the group continues doing today. I met (now-President) Marty Dybicz during my time in the group. I became a member of the Board and Treasurer in 2019. I’m a CPA, starting my career working for the large accounting firms and now working for a local start-up consulting company. I also coach cross country and track at St. Ignatius.
Originally from North New Jersey, I attended John Carroll University for school. I returned to Cleveland for my career and have spent the last 35 years as an Ohioan, and currently work in the medical device industry. I was recruited to join through past board presidents and my experience as a parent of an adult daughter with special needs, who lives with my wife, Mary, and me. In my spare time, I like to go for bike rides and hikes with my friends and family.
Born in Wisconsin, I spent time in New York, Detroit, and Rome, Italy. I now reside in Beachwood with my lovely wife of 47 years, Julie. We enjoy our 6 grandchildren born of our two children. Old age is slowing us down, but we have enjoyed travel to Europe, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Alaska in our camper. L’Arche has given me new friends and a cause to care about deeply.
Originally from Cleveland, I spent 19 years in the DC Metro Area where I was introduced to L’Arche in 2015 and was hooked from my first visit! I moved back to Cleveland in 2018 and jumped right into the Cleveland L’Arche community showing up for Wednesday Prayer nights and getting to know the community members. I have been drawn to the spirit of each L’Arche home and the unconditional love of all the community members.