Brother John was born on April 25, 1944, in Tarentum, Pa., and raised in a number of places during the first years of his life. He went to grade school at St. Alphonsus School in Springdale, Pa., and then left home at age 14 to attend St. Anthony's Institute in Sybertsville, Pa., while attending St Gabriel's School in Hazelton at the same time. From there, Brother John went to St. Francis Seminary in Andover, Mass. Upon completion of seminary, he began monastic life and entered Holy Dormition Monastery in Sybertsville in 1962. After novitiate, Brother John was sent to Immaculate Conception Seminary in Troy, N.Y., after which he was sent to Holy Protection Monastery in New Canaan, Conn. After a period in Connecticut, he was sent back to Holy Dormition Monastery where he lived until starting New Skete in 1966.

While the work of the liturgical services and a life of prayer is the principal responsibility at New Skete, through the years Brother John has been involved in many of the different manual work tasks of the monastery: construction, cooking and domestic work, caring for athe farm animals, and working on different levels with the dog program. He helped Brother Thomas when they started the breeding program. He is now the monk responsible for the breeding program and dealing with clients when they come to adopt their new puppies. Brother John also helps keep track of all the veterinary records and works closely with the veterinarian to make sure vaccinations and medicines are given at the proper times.

For relaxation, Brother John loves to read and listen to music when he is alone.