Denise Taylor - Trustees

Biographical Info

My fraternal grandparents, Sante Iarossi and Domenica Riga came to America in 1928 and settled in Weirton, West Virginia, where my father was born soon after. He always liked to remind us that he was conceived in Italy. I was also born in Weirton, and was part of a large Italian community there, but unfortunately my parents divorced when I was 5 years old and my mother moved us to Portage, Indiana. In turn, I was not able remain close to the Italian side of my family. I attended Portage H. S. and graduated with a major in French from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. After grad school, I worked for a year in France, I came back to the States and embarked on a 35-year career as a bookseller, during which time I went to see my father and his side of the family as often as possible.

I moved to Grand Rapids in 1985, and about 20 years ago, I decided to fully embrace my Italian heritage and started to try to learn Italian. I have participated with Club Italia since its inception, and I became a member of the IACWM soon after. I also became a member of the Grand Rapids /Perugia Sister City committee and currently serve as chair of that organization .
I retired a few years ago, but, after Covid, I returned to work as a patient service representative at Butterworth Hospital. Besides working, I enjoy all my Italy-related pursuits, I facilitate a mystery reading group and have lots of “Nonna” activities with my family.