High School Graduation Year
1980
What did you do right after graduation? College/career/travel/military?
I went to Bellarmine College and earned a BS in Accounting and Business Administration. I got married to HRA graduate Debbie Craft Pike between my junior and senior year.
Please describe DeSales in three words.
Brotherhood. Faith. Academics
Where are you and what are you doing now?
After my kidney transplant on April 20, 2023, I retired. I spend a lot of time volunteering at Germantown Baseball, fishing at my daughters paylake, watching my grandchildren and following the University of Kentucky and DeSales athletic programs.
What do you like most about what you are doing?
Everyday is Saturday and spending time with my 6 grandchildren and soon to be Great Granddaughter.
What is your favorite memory about DeSales?
Hanging out with my good friends and playing soccer for Coach Burke.
Who influenced you most during your time at DeSales?
Father Farrell, Sargent Cooper, Tim Burke.
What classes and learning experiences did you have at DeSales that are beneficial to the work you do?
I took a college Accounting class at Holy Rosary and Business classes at DeSales. DeSales made my Freshman and Sophomore year at Bellarmine look easy.
What is the most important thing you learned while you were at DeSales?
Dedication. Whatever I do, do the best you can and finish the job.
What advice do you have for current (or potential) students at DeSales?
Enjoy it! I told all 4 of my children high school will be the best time of your life.
What is your favorite DeSales Event? Why?
Rick Schneider was our class President, he does a great job having reunions and special occasions. At our 45th reunion last year I spent 30 minutes talking to “Gangster”. I never spoke to him in high school.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Everyday is free time for me, I enjoy my Grandchildren, sporting events and vacationing with family.
What is something people may not know about you?
I married my high school sweetheart, Debbie Craft in May, 1983. We had 3 daughters by the time I was 25. My son Chris came 4 years later. All 4 of my children went to Catholic high schools, DeSales and Mercy. My proudest accomplishment is they are all successful.
Do you still stay in touch with any of your DeSales friends?
Unfortunately, my Best Friend, Frank Beckman passed away last January. I speak to his wife and children through Facebook. I see my classmate Doug James all the time, he married my sister, Patty. I do follow quite a few old friends on Facebook and we chat on messenger.
What’s next for you/where do you see yourself in five years?
My wife still works but will retire in December 2028. We plan on taking at least 6-8 trips a year. A friend asked me the other day if I missed work, and I just laughed!