THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 1996 TAG: 9602130084
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
Lorenzo Dildy and his wife Mary are celebrating their first Valentine's Day as a married couple today. They're hoping Mother Nature will be a little kinder to them today than she was for their honeymoon last July. They were in Florida when Hurricane Erin hit. ``That was something,'' says Lorenzo, ``being in Disney World in a hurricane.''
A man of many talents, he is the head custodian at Landstown Middle School. A former Bayside High School wrestler, he's been the Landstown wrestling coach for about three years, ending this year's winning season with only one loss, he adds proudly.
On top of his school work, he's busy in another field, too. If you've ever eaten at Lynnhaven Fish House, you've probably had a sample of his cooking. He started there at age 13 as a dishwasher, moved up to be a prep cook and eventually became sous chef of the bay front eatery.
Full name: Lorenzo Dildy.
Hometown: Virginia Beach.
What brought you to the Beach? Born here.
Birthdate: Aug. 19, 1963.
Marital status: Married.
Occupation: Head custodian at Landstown Middle School, sous chef at Lynnhaven Fish House, wrestling coach at Landstown Middle.
Children: Two stepsons, Matt and Ryan.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Sitting on the pier fishing or watching the Cowboys play football!
Last smart thing you did: Got married.
Last dumb thing you did: Went out in the middle of Hurricane Erin to get breakfast while on my honeymoon.
Favorite meal: My wife's meatloaf.
Favorite movies: ``Braveheart.''
Favorite song: ``I Swear'' by John Michael Montgomery.
Last book read: ``The Emmitt Zone'' and various cookbooks (too numerous to mention).
Hobbies: Woodworking.
Favorite restaurant: Lynnhaven Fish House.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I like the way I am now.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? There's nothing to change. She's the best thing that ever happened to me.
Secret vice: I watch X-men cartoons every Saturday.
Your favorite night on the town: A nice dinner and dancing until dawn with my wife.
Favorite TV shows: ``Seinfeld,'' ``Fresh Prince.''
Favorite sport: Wrestling, soccer, football.
Last vacation: Disney World.
Pets: Two dogs.
Worst job: Flippin' burgers at McDonald's.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Maintaining a marriage and family while working two jobs.
What would you like as your epitaph? I guess I'm retired now. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB