Lonnie was born and raised in New Rochelle, NY, attending local schools. He graduated from Rhode Island University with a degree in Accounting.

While at Rhode Island, Lonnie was a leader in the ROTC Program and received the commission of 2nd Lt. upon graduation. After serving in the Army, he entered the business field at Arthur Andersen. After several years accumulating much experience in auditing and accounting, he joined the staff of NBC News/Sports, where he remained until he joined the staff of the new cable network USA.

It was at USA Network where Lonnie met Joe Cohen, who was one of the founding members of USA Network. It was at USA Network where Lonnie gained valuable experience in the cable industry.

Lonnie joined HTN and remained with them through their several changes of ownership until his retirement in 1995. When Joe Cohen, a long-time friend and business associate asked him to work with him with this new venture, Lonnie readily agreed.

Lonnie and his wife Elaine have three children – Paula, the mother of four, resides with her husband and children in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.; Carl, his wife Susan and their two daughters, reside in Croton-on-Hudson, New York; Andrew, his wife Niki and their three sons reside in Brewster, New York.