The author, born in Rochester, NY, has lived in Central New York his entire life and attended Syracuse University for both his undergraduate and graduate (Master of Library Science) degrees. His paternal ancestors immigrated and settled in Onondaga County around 1848. His Great-grandmother Mary and her son Perl the subjects of the author's two biographical narratives, lived most of their lives in Central New York (Syracuse) where Gary lives with his partner Todd and their two dogs. Both Gary and Todd are avid cyclists. Gary is retired and previously worked as Adult and Teen Services Librarian for the Onondaga County Public Library and also worked in it’s Local History/Genealogy Department for 10 years, during which time he started his family history research, uncovering many family “secrets.”