Grew up for 53 years of my life in Lindenhurst, New York. Was baptized, confirmed, choir member, Sunday school teacher, assistant minister, lesson reader, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lindenhurst, New York. Worked for Allstate Ins. Co. as a clerk in Huntington, Long Island, for 10 years before entering the U.S. Navy, in 1979.

In the Navy-boot camp in Orlando Fl, went to rate training school as Aviation administrator in Meridian, Miss., stationed in San Diego, Cal. With HSL 31, before changing my rate to aviation structural mechanic, then went to school in Memphis, Tenn, and Jackson, Fl., before going to Pax River, Md, to work on P-3 aircraft. Reenlisted and went to Orlando as a company commander, then transferred to Barbers Point, HI, before getting out in 1987.

Back to New York, and worked as a bookkeeper for New Montifiore Cemetery, on Long Island for 16 years. Back at St. John’s in Lindenhurst, I attended a 2 year Diaconal, program (1990-1992). Graduated, Diaconia on June 13, 1992 from Metro NY Synod. Started as congregation Lay Deacon internship Sep 1993 (Confirmation Administrator), and teacher for the 3 year Confirmation program. Installed as Congregation Lay Deacon on Nov 6, 1994 at St. John’s and ran the confirmation program for 11 years.

Moved to Florida, April 1, 2004—became a member of St. John, Summerfield on May 23, 2004. Installed as Synodical Deacon on March 13, 2005. I am one of the Assisting Ministers, do visitations, assist my sister (Deacon Judy Gioeli) with VBS and Christian Education. And at times I sing with the choir.