- Born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, September 5, 1955, while his father served in the military. The family returned to Newton Falls when the military service was completed.
- Attended Newton Falls Village schools graduating from Newton Falls High School
- Worked at Copperweld Steel and Republic Steel/WCI during the summer while attending college
- Member of USWA #2243 and #1375
- Received a BS from Ashland College in 1977
- Received a JD from Wake Forest University in 1980
- Admitted to the West Virginia bar in 1980
- Admitted to the Ohio bar in 1982
- Admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts, Northern District of Ohio and Southern District of West Virginia
- Member of the Ohio State Bar Association
- Member of the Trumbull County Bar Association
