Occupation: I recently retired this past June. I worked 15 years for Perkin-Elmer as an engineer and in engineering management in the Atomic Spectroscopy group. I then spent 18 years as Engineering VP at Curtis Instruments, where we design and manufacture components for electric vehicles. Both were wonderful companies with terrific cultures. I had the opportunity to work with great people, develop useful products, and travel to fantastic places.

Family: I have been married to Mary for 42 years. We met in Weston High School. She is currently being considered for sainthood and has a real shot. We have three children: Maggie, Steve, and Emily. Maggie and Steve live here in Newtown with their respective spouses, Mike and Carrie. They’re all teachers. Each couple has two children — Luke and Ben, and Henry and Evelyn. Their ages are 5, 3, 4, and 2. Our daughter Emily lives in California, and we would love for her to get back to the East Coast.

Pets: We had a dog, various cats, and a rabbit, all of which have sadly left us. We now have nine very bright chickens. My wife has knitted them sweaters to get through the cold winter nights.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We have lived on Eden Hill Road since 1983. We’re very fortunate to have two of our children live within several miles of us. Mary has been caring for the grandkids for the past four years. I join the fun this September, and I can’t wait. Those kids are special.

What do you like to do in your free time? I love the piano. I took lessons through high school and have never stopped playing. Since I retired, I start each day with an online theory course and then practice for a few hours (until Mary closes the lid on my hands). Two years ago, I splurged on a Steinway Model A, and it is now a very close friend. I complete most days by making sure to do something constructive around the house and getting some kind of exercise. I also have a vegetable garden, and in the late winter/early spring collect maple sap and convert it to syrup.

Do you have a favorite book? I have been recently reading Mark Twain’s Follow the Equator. He amazes me with his wit, colorful observations, and use of the language. One of my favorite books is Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond. It is a historical/geographical treatment of the persistence and survival of Eurasian and North African civilizations. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals is a great exploration of Lincoln’s divided cabinet. I also enjoy reading biographies of great composers and like to do a little research on the pieces I am trying to play.

What is your favorite travel destination? My work allowed for me to visit some pretty terrific spots. Suzhou, China, is a great example of the country’s capacity for willful planning. India is a tremendous collection of contrasts: luxurious hotels, incredible technical centers, and beautiful, warm people. All of this clashes with the poverty and crowded masses seen in the larger cities. Switzerland is as beautiful as they say it is, and I have made many wonderful trips there. However, Italy is my favorite place, with its great countryside, architecture, history, food, wine, people.

What is the best part about Newtown? It is a beautiful place. We do a lot of hiking, and it is hard to beat some of the trails here in town. The best part of Newtown, though, is having most of my family in it.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents, John and Claire. There were six children, and we were all loved and challenged to do our best. We were kept busy with books, athletics, and music. My dad is 92 and Mom is 89, and they are both still kicking it in Weston.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would like to spend the morning with our poet-president, Abraham Lincoln, and discuss the droolings of today’s political scene. I would then like to have an afternoon piano lesson from Fryderyk Chopin.

What is your favorite quote? My oldest daughter’s third grade teacher said, “It’s nice to be nice.”