Denise Di Dolci is a second generation Sicilian-American currently living and working at the Jersey Shore. Denise is very proud of her Sicilian heritage and loves sharing her grandparents’ stories of the “Old Country”. Her maternal grandparents were born in Casteltermini and her paternal grandparents were born in Cammarata, located in the Agrigento Region of Sicily. They immigrated to the Unites States of America through Ellis Island in the early 1900’s. Her maternal grandparents returned to Casteltermini (only one time) after being married for 40 years. Denise’s paternal grandparents never returned to their homeland.

Denise loves to travel and most recently, for the past 4 years, to Sicily. In 2016, she took her first trip to Sicily with her sister, Michele. It was during that trip they captured the true essence of their Sicilian heritage. When they visited Casteltermini for the first time, all of their grandparents’ stories came to life while walking the streets where their grandparents lived. It was life changing for the two sisters. She feels a strong connection with all of the people she has met during her travels to her “Motherland”. Denise has explored both ancestral villages (Casteltermini and Cammarata) as well as many other areas of the beautiful island. She has made wonderful friends there and considers them “family”. She plans on spending extended periods of time in Sicily and living, “La Dolce Vita”. Denise also loves the theater, movies, cooking, baking, painting and watching the beautiful sunsets at the Jersey Shore. She is dedicated to her family and loves spending time with her siblings and their children.

Denise grew up in Northern New Jersey with her loving parents and younger brother and sister. Their extended family was very close and there were many, many large weekend gatherings at their home. Most holidays were hosted at their home usually with 28-30 family and friends. Many hours were spent sitting around the dining room. Lots of pasta and Italian specialty items were served with much love! Denise is very family oriented. Although she does not have children of her own, she is extremely close with her 2 nieces and 4 nephews (ages 14-32). She has always been considered their “second mother”.

For the past 7 years, Denise has been working as a secretary in the principal’s office of a school for children with special needs. Children with special needs hold a special place in her heart since her eldest niece, Rebecca (32 yrs old) has cerebral palsy with multiple disabilities. Denise has volunteered numerous times throughout the years along with Rebecca for Special Olympic events, serving at soup kitchens and fundraisers.

Previous to her secretarial position in the NJ school system, she worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant for high-level executives and CEO’s for over 16 years in several industries in New York City. She learned many valuable “life lessons” during her years working in “Corporate America”. She also was an advertising salesperson from two large NJ newspapers.

In addition to her full-time job, Denise has been a part-time Mary Kay Cosmetics Consultant teaching skincare and color cosmetic techniques to women of all ages. She loves helping women look pretty and feel good about themselves. During her 25 plus years with Mary Kay, she has met life-long friends from all walks of life.

Denise is a member of an Italian Culture Club which meets monthly. The club focuses on everything Italian. These monthly meetings include many discussions and presentations on Italian art, music, architecture, history, food and lifestyles. They have special events such as pasta making and wine tastings at one of the member’s farm/vineyard along with Italian opera/movie gatherings.

For the past 2 years, Denise has been an active board member of Rebecca’s Homestead, Inc. Rebecca’s Homestead is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that Rebecca’s parents developed to provide a more secure and positive future for Rebecca and her friends. Rebecca’s Homestead will become a farm and B&B community. Rebecca’s Homestead will provide housing and a self-sustaining lifestyle through farming and hospitality employment opportunities for developmentally disabled adults. Denise has contributed her talents to many areas of this organization such as collection of donations, coordination of fundraising events, securing media coverage, baking and administrative/clerical assistance.

With the beginning of a new decade and a new year, Denise has now accepted a board member position with The Sicilian Project. Coming from a Sicilian immigrant family, she knows first-hand the importance of being able to speak and understand the English language in any country. She values the Sicilian Project’s Mission and hopes to be instrumental in bringing English Camps to her ancestral towns as well as other areas in Sicily. She is excited and honored to have been chosen for this position. Denise looks forward to a new year with new possibilities to help spread awareness and open up additional opportunities for the students of Sicily!