John was born in a predominantly Irish neighborhood in upper Manhattan called Inwood. John's father, Patrick, was a carpenter originally from Mooncoin, County Kilkenny while John's mother, Imelda, was a nurse originally from Charlestown, County Mayo. They had three children, Michael, John and Patricia. John, the middle child, went to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs grammar school, Fordham Prep high school, and Boston College. 
 
Upon his graduation, John started his career in banking which has now spanned over 35 years. In 1986, he met his wife Anna and they were married in 1989. John and Anna are the proud parents of their 3 daughters. Katie, who received her Masters from The University of Scranton and now works as an occupational therapist at NYU. John's two other daughters, Brigid and Maura, both received their Masters from Manhattan College and are currently teaching in the NYC public school system in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx. 
 
In 1996, John and Anna moved to Eastchester where they still live today. Shortly after moving, they joined the Eastchester Irish American Social Club and remain active participants today. John proudly served as both Treasurer, and as President for the club.