Born in 1933 in New Jersey, USA. Majored in mechanical engineering at Villanova University. Worked for San Diego Electronics Technical Institute on studies in communication engineering (telecommunications, microwave radar, etc.). A resident of Japan since 1960. Earned a degree in Economics from Sophia University and went on to study marketing at the Graduate School of Hitotsubashi University. Taught Economics and English at Chuo University and Komazawa University. Established F. J. Kurdyla and Associates Co., Ltd., in 1969 (changed later to Kurdyla and Associates Co., Ltd.). The company has been providing a wide range of English language services, including training to develop international presentation and negotiation skills, rewriting, and translation, to companies and governmental organizations.

In addition to managing the company, he is actively engaged in giving lectures on cross-cultural communications to corporate, government, and civic audiences in Japan. He does consulting work for local managers at foreign affiliates of Japanese companies and conducts seminars for them on communicating effectively with their counterparts in Japan. He often writes for newspapers and magazines and has written several books.

Main works:

• The Meanderings of the Whale-"Now I understand"
• Image Jiten
• Fundamentals of English Conversation for Engineers
• Dictionary of Proven Business Letters
• Dictionary of Proven Business Letters: CD edition
• Situational Business English: "The Right Thing to Say"
• Situational Business English: "The Right Way to Put It"
• Receiving and Handling Callers
• Conversational Dictionary for Life Abroad
• Negotiating Cross-Culturally
• Colloquial Business English (Advanced Series, Volumes 1, 2, and 3)
  • Getting Through in Business - Natural Business Dialogues
  • Going Heart-to-Heart
  • Talking Your Way Out
    
• Dictionary of Modern Business Colloquialisms

(All published by Asahi Press)

• The Way It Really Happens(in collaboration with Michihiro Hirai)

(Published by Ohmsha, Ltd.)