Where do you live?
I was born at Aultman Hospital in Canton, and I graduated from Perry High School. I currently live in the Navarre area.

What would you like to tell us about your education?
I received a master’s degree in theology from Walsh University. I also completed a two-and-a-half-year internship in chaplain training at St. Vincent Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

When did you become a chaplain at Aultman Health System?
I became a chaplain at Aultman in February 2006.

At what facility do you work? What is your role?
I spend my time at Aultman Hospital, as well as assisting with on-call needs at Aultman Hospital and Aultman Hospice in Canton. I am a lead staff chaplain in Spiritual Care, which means I focus on four areas – patients, families, staff and area clergy.

My other responsibilities include administrative duties, speaking engagements and community event planning, as well as assisting the chaplains at both Aultman Alliance Community Hospital and Aultman Orrville Hospital. I am on the Ethics Committee, Emergency Management Committee and Cancer Committee. I also oversee our systemwide Code Lavender program.

How did you decide to become a chaplain?
I pastored in three different churches for 17 years. One of my favorite parts of my ministry was visiting parishioners in the hospital setting. I enjoyed the personal, intimate environment, and I realized that this was one of my strengths where I could journey with those who are facing difficult end-of-life issues.

What do you like best about your career?
I love journeying with patients and their families. I enjoy facilitating their emotional and spiritual needs as well as supporting/debriefing with staff. Each day is an adventure to see how we can facilitate the needs of those we encounter as they face what is going on that day in their lives.

What are some of your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy playing the piano, refurbishing our new home, designing, gardening, woodworking and spending time with our family and grandchildren.

Tell us about your loved ones.
I am married to my wife, Jane Marie, who teaches second grade at Walnut Creek Elementary School. We have three adult children – Abby (Benny), Emily (Jonny) and Zachary. We have four grandchildren – Eliza Jane, Duke Dominic, Crosby Thomas and Lillian Louise.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that many of your friends may not know.
For several years, I was an art teacher - even though I am color blind! In addition, I taught ethics, world religion and death and dying for many years at Aultman College.

Updated Jan. 22, 2025