Biographical Information
City of Residence: Key Largo
Occupation: Faculty Member at Florida State University, Businessman, Retired Airline Captain
Spouse: Diane Matrella of Bessemer, Michigan
Child(ren): Mark (deceased), Susan, Matt, John, Holly
Education: Quincy University, Economics/Finance, 1952-1955; DePaul University, Continuing Education in Economics, 1958-1960; American Flyers Academy, Fort Worth, Texas, 1958-1960; Barry College, Miami, Aviation Law Courses, 1976-1977; Quincy University, B.S., International Studies/Business, 1988; Florida State University, M.A., International Affairs, 1989; University of Zagreb, Ph.D., Political Science and Humanities, 1993
Born: Chicago, IL
Deceased: July 06, 2012
Moved to Florida: 1962
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Recreational Interest: diving, sailing
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 1998, reelected subsequently
Other Public Services
Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Chair
Monroe County Zoning Board, Chair
State of Florida Governor's Resource Management Committee 1982-1986
Monroe County Planning Advisory Board, Chair 1981-1985
South Florida Regional Planning Council 1981-1985
Monroe County Commissioner 1980-1984
Monroe County Mayor and Chair 1983-1984
Republican National Convention Delegate for Dade and Monroe Counties 1980, 1984
State Association of County Commissioners, Director 1980-1984
Monroe County Crime Commission 1976-1982
Republican National Convention, Detroit, Michigan, Alternate Delegate 1980
Affiliations
Airline Pilots Association 1959-present
Upper Keys Sailing Club founder, past President and Commodore 1973-present
Retired Eastern Pilots Association Inc., Director 1994-1995
Monroe County Veterans Council, Delegate-at-Large 1980-1983
Council of Florida Keys Subdivisions, Vice President 1977-1982
Older American Advisory Board for Monroe County, Coordinator 1977-1982
Health Systems Agency of South Florida 1978-1981
Monroe County Citizens Crime Watch, Chair 1977-1981
Association of Naval Aviation, Falls Church, Virginia
International Studies Association
Phi Kappa Phi Academic Excellence Fraternity
Quiet Birdmen
Rotary Club
Scholars International Research Society
Highlights
College of Social Science, Political Science faculty member
Florida State University, International Studies, Director of Development 1995-present
Key Largo Shopper Inc., shareholder and partner 1992-present
Florida State University and the University of Zagreb, Cooperation and Security in South Eastern Europe (Balkans) Conference Director, Inter-University, Dubrovnik, Croatia 2001
Florida State University, the University of Zagreb and the University of Ljubijana, Slovenia, Stability in the Balkans and the Future Conference Director, Inter-University Centre, Dubrovnik, Croatia 2000
Florida State University and St. Kliment University, Transition to Democratic Systems of Government Third Annual Conference, Director, Lake Ohrid, Macedonia 1999
Florida State University and the University of Montenegro, Making Democratic Government Work Problems and Solutions Conference Organizer and Director, Budva, Yugoslavia 1998
Eastern European Transition Trends Panel Chair, University of South Florida, New College, Eastern Europe Seminar, Sarasota, Florida 1997
Florida State University and the University of St. Kliment Ohridski-Bitola Joint Conference Director, Lake Ohrid, Macedonia 1997
Inter-University Centre, Transition in Central and Eastern Europe Conference Director, Dubrovnik, Croatia 1997
Eastern European Stability Panelist, San Diego, California 1996
Transition in Central and Eastern Europe Conference Director, Lake Ohrid, Macedonia 1996
International Studies Association "The Future of Eastern Europe" Conference Speaker and Panel Member, Acapulco, Mexico 1994
Yugoslav-American Studies Program postgraduate study, University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia, University of Zagreb, Croatia, and Inter-University Centre, Dubrovnik, Croatia 1989, 1990, 1991
Boeing 727 Jet Instructor 7 years, retired January 1985
Eastern Airlines Inc., Airline Captain 1960-1985
Mariners Hospital Founder and first President 1976-1980, Lifetime Board Member since 1981
U.S. Coast Guard Masters License (Captain) 100 Ton
Who's Who in Aviation 1973