Jay M. Gutierrez was raised in a close-knit Catholic family in New Jersey during the 1950s and 60s. He came of age in the early 70s while attending Georgetown University and working in Washington, D.C. He married his life-long love, Ann, in 1973, and she put him through Rutgers Law School, graduating in 1979. Since then, he practiced law for more that 35 years, and together they raised three wonderful children and enjoy four grandchildren. In retirement, he splits his time among traveling and his homes in Maryland and Delaware.