Born John Michael in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 19, 1889. In early 1904 he applied to the Passionist Preparatory Seminary at St. Mary’s Dunkirk, New York. After a year he was sent on to the novitiate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On October 29, 1905 he received the Passionist religious habit, but in August 1906 when the provinces were divided between east and west he was transferred to Sacred Heart, Louisville, Kentucky and was able to profess his vows on October 30, 1906 as a member of Holy Cross Province.
Two years into his studies for ordination he was stricken with tuberculosis. It was decided to send him to a more suitable climate. A year and a half later he rejoined his class and was, for the most part, able to keep up with his studies. He maintained a kind disposition and was able to assist as an organist. He was ordained a priest on June 1, 1913 by Bishop Paul Nussbaum, C.P.
He died of a hemorrhage on October 10, 1915 at Scared Heart Retreat in Louisville.