Where do you live (city/area)?

I grew up in the Pittsburgh/Duquesne area and attended McKeesport High School. I currently live in Plain Township.

College/degree/licensure?

I attended Calvary Grace Bible College in Pennsylvania. I am an ordained minister and pastored my first church near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 2001, I graduated from Master’s International University of Divinity in Evansville, Indiana, where I completed the chaplaincy program.

When did you become a chaplain at Aultman Health Foundation?

In 2012, I became a volunteer chaplain for Aultman – working in hospice, palliative care and at the main campus. After four years of volunteering, a position became available and I was hired as a full-time chaplain.

At what facility? What is your role?

I work at the Compassionate Care Center at Woodlawn – in hospice and palliative care. My role is to provide spiritual care, support and compassion to our patients, families and staff.

How did you decide to become a chaplain?

Early on in my career as a pastor, part of my role was to visit hospitals, nursing homes and members’ homes – those who were unable to attend church. The desire to be with people who have no one in their corner became a burden of mine. There are many people who do not have a home church or pastor to call on in their time of need. They need someone to sit with them, cry with them, laugh with them and pray with them.

The desire to help those in need led me to volunteer for both Aultman and Agape Ministries, a prison ministry group. I have been a volunteer chaplain for more than 20 years at Agape. I work with inmates and the family members who have been torn away from their loved ones. My goal is to reach people right where they are, in their time of need and on their terms.

What do you like best about your career?

I enjoy providing spiritual support to our patients – regardless of religious background. As a chaplain, I journey with our patients, families and staff and provide a supportive presence – meeting them where they are.

What are some of your hobbies/interests?

Growing up in Pittsburgh, my father took me to many opening day ballgames at Forbes Field. I have carried on that tradition with my son and grandsons.

In the evenings, I help my wife with her business, Doggie Day Kamp & Boarding. I enjoy walking and playing with the dogs. Dogs have unique personalities and they want to know they are loved – just like humans. When I’ve had a rough day, the time I spend with the dogs is therapeutic for me. Dogs don’t judge and they never post what I share with them on Facebook.

I also enjoy fishing with my wife, reading, walking through the woods, nature and turning on some music and jamming with my bass guitar or playing my trumpet.

Tell us about your loved ones (parents, spouse, children, grandchildren).

My grandfather and father were pastors, as well. My family tree also includes several people in the military – my father served in the Navy, my brother and I served in the Army and my son is actively serving in the Army (16 years). My family is also musically inclined, and we often sang and played instruments at our church.

Our home has always been a place for friends and family to gather, and the kitchen is our meeting place. There are times when I come home to find my granddaughters and their friends in the kitchen dipping animal crackers in chocolate icing.

I am one of six children – three of my siblings are deceased. My wife, Angela, and I have three children – Jamie, Mandi and Joshua. I have eight wonderful grandchildren – four boys and four girls. I recently asked my kids if we would be getting any more grandchildren to break the tie and they said “no.” I replied, “If that’s the case, then I guess it’s up to your mom and I to keep trying.”

Tell us something interesting about yourself that many of your friends may not know.

I took my wife to her high school prom at William Penn High School in Pittsburgh. In February, we will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. I also volunteer as a court angel, working with Judge Dixie Parks to ensure that guardians are taking good care of the people that they are responsible for. When I am fishing, there are times I go out on the lake and don’t even bait my hook. I’m just there to enjoy the stillness, peace and scenery.