I was born in Camden County, New Jersey and grew up in Westville, New Jersey. My father passed away when I was in third grade.

I went to high school in Woodbury, New Jersey. After graduation, I enlisted in the United States Navy. I served in the Navy for six years during the Vietnam War, as an Electronics Technician. I worked on HF, VHF, UHF systems and all kinds of communication equipment, as well as RADAR. I also worked with voice and cryptomatic equipment.

After the service, I got a job at CCA Electronic and was foreman and assistant plant manager. They built AM, FM, and TV transmitters for radio and television stations throughout the world.

I am currently an Instrument Technician at the Paulsboro refinery of Valero Oil Company. Paulsboro Refinery products include: gasoline, lube oil and home heating fuel, just to name a few. I work on operating systems that control the process units that make these products.

I am the president of the Macintosh User Group of Southern New Jersey (MUGSNJ) and executive board member. I've also served as Program Chair, Public Relations Chair and Vice President. I have been an active member of the MUGSNJ since the late 1980's.

I'm also a member of the South Jersey Apple User Group (SJAUG ) and the PC Users Group of South Jersey ( PCUGSJ ). I've been using Apple Computers since the Apple IIe.

I'm currently Vice President of the Vennell Tavern Committee, and am restoring a 1792 home which was later turned into a tavern. I belong to the Gloucester County, Camden County, Salem County and New Jersey State Historical Societies.

I also belong to the Genealogical Society of New Jersey, and the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society. I am constantly working on my own family genealogy and have family dated back to 1658.

My wife, Mary Ann, has been very supportive of all the events, shows and User Group meetings I attend.

— Walter Vennell