John grew up in Dorchester and went to Xaverian Brothers High School. After graduation, he earned his B.A. at SuffolkUniversity and went on to complete Suffolk University's Executive MBA program.

His 15 years of business experience have centered on management and problem solving. He has developed softwareapplications as well as managed projects for his corporate clients. John also received his law degree from Suffolk University.His firm, Nelson & Roach specializes in real estate law while additionally handling criminal and civil litigation. Among his clients are Washington Mutual Bank and Shawmut Crane & Rigging. John has lived in Quincy since 1995 and has a wife, two daughters and his boxer "Mulligan".