Born in Cressona, PA in 1940 and raised in St. Francis Orphan Asylum, Orwigsburg, PA from the age of 2 to 11. Transferred to St. Joseph's House for Homeless and Industrious Boys in Philadelphia, PA, from where he ran away (from the Catholic priests) at the age of 14 and lived on the streets of Philadelphia obtaining an informal education.

Taught himself to re-build automatic transmissions and started his own business in Westfield, NJ. Joined the Air Force and spent most of his tour at McClellan AFB in Sacramento. Spent four years selling fruit on the international market, then ten years as a conductor with both Amtrak and Southern Pacific, while going to American River College, Sacramento State, and Lincoln University, School of Law.

Established and published the weekly Pollock Pines Press where he also practised photography. Took time off to be Senator Joe Orsini's Administrative Assistant in Juneau, Alaska.

Survived six years in Folson State Prison during its deadliest period in the eighties. Upon being released, learned the auto body trade but went to work for the state of California as a secretary. Retired as a systems analyst eighteen years later and moved to Christmas Valley Oregon. Travels the western states making vistagraphs.