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 1850. 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 three Jack Russell Terriers. Both Gary and Todd are avid cyclists. He currently works as Adult and Teen Services Librarian for the Onondaga County Public Library and previously worked in it’s Local History/Genealogy Department for 10 years, during which time he started his family history research, uncovering this and other family “secrets.”