"Bushie" was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was raised a Master Mason in Washington Lodge #61 and is a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Nashua. "Bushie" joined Bektash Shrine in 1973, became a member of the Directors Staff Second Section, and is a Past President of the Manchester Shrine Club. In 1989 he was Parade Marshal for the Northeast Field Days held in Manchester. "Bushie" was elected Potentate of Bektash Shrine in 2001 and remains active in Bektash events as well as an active member of the Bektash Drum Corp. "Bushie" is a U.S. Navy veteran having served as a Radioman aboard the USS Boston CAG-1. He and his Lady Judy reside in Manchester. They have one daughter Denise Courtney who has graduated from college. They also have two grandsons Garrett Michael and Evan Andrew by "Bushie's" oldest daughter Sandi Jo who reside in Connecticut.