As some of you know, Sam Sonnacchio (class of 1961) and I married in August 1963, just after high school graduation.  Almost 44 years later Sam and I are still together and very happily married.  We have three wonderful children – Maria (42) lives in Syracuse and has been in banking for 20+ years.  Deborah (40) lives in Pinehurst, NC, and is a registered rehab nurse.  Tony (36) lives in Syracuse and is the school business official for Phoenix School District.  We have five grandsons ranging in age from 3 to 13. 

Eventually, with three children and a full time job, I attended college nights and weekends, completing my management degree from Maria Regina College in Syracuse in 1989.  I was the Deputy Director of Administration and Finance for the City of Cortland for 23 years, retiring in April 2004.  I continued working for the City on a contractual basis for the next year and am now REALLY retired.  Sam retired in September 2005, when we moved to Sanford, North Carolina.  After 60+ years in Cortland, we felt it was more than time to see more of the USA and are very glad we made that decision.  We miss our family and friends in Central New York, but will return annually to our cabin in the woods at Cedar Lake Club, near Utica NY, for the months of June, July and August. 

We live in a gated community here in sunny North Carolina, with a lake and golf course out the back door.  We are happy that the weather no longer controls our life, including not worrying about getting out of the driveway in the winter.  For several years we have been antique dealers (hobby level), and participate in four antique shows per year in North Carolina.  We have enjoyed collecting and researching antiques over the years, and have made many wonderful friends along the way.  Every day is a learning experience!

I can't believe how this website has taken off, and enjoy seeing the pictures and reading all the "biographies" of my classmates.  Thank you, especially Barbara and Steve, for all the time and effort you have put into making this happen. – It's wonderful !!!