He attended Blacklick Valley High School in the borough of Nanty Glo, which is known locally as a small coal mining town whose mines are now closed and whose population is predominantly senior. It's a friendly, comfortable place to live.
Neighbors take care of neighbors, and family ties run deep.
The community grew up around Blacklick Creek, nestled in some of the most beautiful hillsides of Pennsylvania. Old bony piles, as high as the hillsides, are remnants from the area's coal mining past. They are semi-covered with plant growth and almost blend in with the scenery these days. The Blacklick Valley Fire Department and Ambulance Service is a hub of the community, and there are a wealth of churches. The Nanty Glo Journal has been reporting about life in this coal valley for 56 years.