Gian Severini was born in Manhattan in 1963 and raised in the Gravesend\Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. He attended St. Finbar R.C. Elementary School, John Dewey High School, St. Francis College in Brooklyn and Long Island University. Although from New York, Gian was quite familiar with West Milford and surrounding areas. The house he lives in now was build by his grandparents, Serafino and Letizia Versace Service (yes, Gian and Donatella Versace are relatives.) Gian’s father would take his grandparents for rides in the country when they were living in Brooklyn. His grandfather said looking at the panoramic view from the stretch of Warwick Turnpike just above the Warwick Drive-In reminded him of his birthplace in Orvieto, Italy. He decided then to build a house and retire here. “I learned to walk in the house I’m living in and learned to swim in Mt. Laurel Lake. My daughters are the fourth generation of Servinis to live in this house.” Gian is very active in the West Milford Republican organization, a volunteer on the West Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment and a New Jersey certified soccer and softball coach. When asked why he is a Republican, Gian said, “Firstly, I can think for myself and I don’t want the government involved in my life from cradle to grave and second Ronald Reagan! I remember when Reagan was elected in 1980. I was 17 and I knew then I was a Republican. God bless that man!” Gian has been married to Yvonne Morreale for 11 years this month and has two daughters. He plays a very active roll in their lives. He has worked 22 years with the NYC Department of Education as teacher, disciplinary dean of students and is currently coordinating supervisor in District 75 for special education. Gian is a parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Peace and a third degree Knight of Columbus. He enjoys hunting and fishing and went boar hunting for the first time in March 2007. This is one of his favorite downtime recipes for warm summer nights. He hopes you enjoy it. Limoncello 1 liter vodka, or gin, or Everclear 100 percent alcohol 1 liter of water The peals of 12 lemons the yellow part only, as white will make it bitter. 3 or 4 cups of sugar Place lemon peel in alcohol for two days. Add water and sugar, Mix it together, making sure all the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture sit for five days. Strain and put into bottles.