JCA of Portland

I was born and raised right here in Portland, Maine. I trained as an attorney and practiced many types of law over the years, from real estate and bankruptcy to representing clients at Spring Harbor. 

I’ve always been a giving man, and my true passion has always been people and finding success in relationships with them. In my legal practice, I felt it was important to use the law for good, often helping people find a second chance or showing compassion to those who had screwed up.

There was a period in my life when I wasn't a lawyer; I lived in New York City for a time and eventually traveled out to California before returning to my roots in Maine.

I am 75 years old, but I don't really think of myself that way. I feel more like I am in my late 50s. I currently live in a building set up for the elderly, though I like to put quotes around that word because I feel I am still learning every day!

I've been described as conscientious, introspective, and observant. While I can be humble, I also like to think of myself as an adaptable and likable person.

My ex-wife, Madeleine, and I remain connected, and I am incredibly proud of the family we built. I have two sons who have both followed in my footsteps to become attorneys, and I now have two grandchildren as well.

When I’m not focused on my family or my community, you can usually find me thinking about the Red Sox or my hero, Theodore Samuel Williams.

January 2026

I’m a native of Portland, Maine. Except for the seven years I spent at college and law school, I’ve lived here my entire life. I grew up on Bradley Street in a family of four siblings. My sister and I remain very close.

I practiced corporate and commercial law in Portland for 48 years before retiring in 2024. It was through my work that I met my wife, Nancy; we were both working at the same law firm when we met. 

We have three children: Naomi, who lives nearby; Hillary, who is in Arizona; and Harry, who is currently a student at the University of Denver. My family is what I am most passionate about, and I consider it a great blessing that our family—from my siblings down to the next generation of grandkids—has remained so close-knit.

Now that I’m retired, my life is centered around volunteer work. I’ve had a long history with the Jewish Community Alliance, dating back to when it was the Jewish Community Center on Cumberland Avenue. 

In fact, during my college years, I served as the waterfront director for their day camp for several summers. Today, volunteering gives me a way to stay productive and use my abilities to make a difference for others.

If you asked others to describe me, they might say I'm bright or funny. I inherited a brilliant sense of humor from my father, an extraordinary man who became a lawyer without ever attending college or law school. My philosophy is to be kind, gentle, and productive while adding value to the world.

When I think about my legacy, I just hope to be remembered as a man who was bright, kind, and loved his family.

March 2026

I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the town of Cambridge. It was a good place to grow up in. My father was a photographer, so I have always liked taking pictures. 

I was a tomboy from the get-go; I grew up doing physical things, like swinging high on the swing set and even climbing to the top of a three-story tree with the neighbor boy. My parents still don’t know about that!

I’ve ridden horses since I was six years old. When I went to St. Catherine’s, an Episcopal prep school, being able to ride was a saving grace because the school was a tough transition for me. 

I got married when I was just twenty to my husband, Lincoln. We were married for sixty years before he passed away a year ago. He worked for textbook companies and traveled a lot. I was the maker of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home. I managed the household and raised our two children, Joshua and Catherine.

Cooking has been a big part of my life. When I got married, my mother-in-law happened to be Amy Vanderbilt, which was a bit scary at first. My father-in-law was the one who taught me how to cook, and I’ve spent my life reading and trying out new recipes. 

I’ve also been a volunteer my whole life, serving as the head of the Altar Guild at church and president of the Hospital Auxiliary, where I ran the second-hand shop.

I moved to my condo in Portland from New Hampshire three years ago to be near my son, Joshua. I am a very happy, sociable person. I just turned 82, but I’m in good shape; I still lift eight-pound weights. I started taking Mahjong lessons at the JCA about a year and a half ago.

I’ve had a good life, and I think the ingredients for that are stability and the freedom to pursue what you want to do. I’m especially proud of my children; they are kind, smart, loving people. 

I’d love to travel back to Ireland, where Lincoln and I went on our honeymoon. Mostly, I just want to be remembered as a kind, loving person.

March 2026

I’ve done so many things in my life — I’m a bit like a chameleon or a jack-of-all-trades.

I got my degree in geological sciences from the University of Maine with a minor in cartography. When I graduated in 1986, I couldn't find work. I went to the unemployment office in Sanford and saw an advertisement for the Defense Mapping Agency. That started a career that took me to Washington, D.C., where I worked in various defense and intelligence positions.

One of the most momentous events was September 11th. I was in the middle of giving a briefing on system developments to a section chief when someone barged in and whispered that the United States was under attack. In the intelligence world, everything is very compartmentalized, but suddenly my meeting was flipped and we were being shoveled orders left and right.

I always said I would come back home to Maine. On a trip home, I met Ginny, my future wife, and I rearranged my entire life to be with her. We’ve been married over thirty years. I am especially proud of the children we raised: Jonathan, and my stepchildren Zachary and Alicia. They are responsible and know right from wrong. I just became a grandfather for the first time!

I’d say I am very giving — generous to a fault, loyal, and involved. My philosophy of life is to not be afraid to take some risks and pursue what you believe is right. I hope to be remembered for my strong relationships and as a boy from Sanford who was good enough to do the work I did.

March 2026