We are very sad to share the news of the passing of PDG Denise DiNoto, a member of Colonie-Guilderland Rotary who served as District Governor of the former D7190 in 2022-23. Read on for some of the heartfelt tributes that have been shared in the wake of her unexpected passing as we await the full obituary to be published.
Calling hours will be Friday, June 20th from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at St. Vincent dePaul in Albany (900 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208). Services and a bite to eat to follow at the church.
UPDATE: Click here to watch clips from Denise's memorial service.
From her family:
Click the video below to watch the tribute slides of photos from her family.
From her club:
The Bainbridge Rotary Club mourns the loss of Denise DiNoto. Denise's life was a shining example of resilience, compassion, and unwavering service. She left an indelible mark as an advocate, leader, and champion for individuals with disabilities, promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout her life. Denise was afflicted with degenerative neuromuscular disease her whole life but never allowed her disability to define or limit her. Instead, she embraced it as an integral part of her journey—one that molded her into a courageous leader and fierce advocate. She proved, time and again, that determination paired with opportunity can create profound change. Denise's life was a testament to what is possible when one leads with purpose and passion.
After graduating from Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District, Denise earned her degree from The College of Saint Rose. She went on to become a respected disability advocate, public speaker, and writer. Through her words and actions, she inspired thousands—both with and without disabilities—to embrace inclusion and recognize that every voice matters. Her message was simple and powerful: diversity strengthens us all.
Rotary played a foundational role in Denise’s life. As a high school junior, her life took a transformative turn when Rotarian Dr. Ken Benson asked, “Why don’t you become a Rotary Youth Exchange student?” Initially hesitant, Denise responded, “I’ve never seen another exchange student with a disability.” Dr. Benson's response was both gentle and profound: “You’ve never let your disability stop you until now. The worst they can say is no.” They didn’t say no. Denise became one of Rotary International’s first Youth Exchange students with a disability, spending a year in Kingston, Australia. There, she thrived—joining family dinners, participating in school events, barbecues, sports, and service projects. She formed lasting friendships and expanded her worldview, showing everyone, she encountered that disability is no barrier to connection, contribution, or adventure.
Her Rotary journey continued into adulthood. Denise became a dedicated member of the Colonie-Guilderland Rotary Club and served as District Governor for Rotary District 7190 in 2022–2023. She truly lived Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.” Her leadership helped build a more inclusive and compassionate organization.
In 2024, Denise was appointed Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). She previously served as Program Manager for the New York State Department of Health’s Disability and Health Program, where she championed accessible public
health initiatives and supported health promotion for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Her earlier work at Consumer Directed Choices helped strengthen the independence of those relying on personal assistance services.
Additional roles and recognitions include:
After graduating from Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District, Denise earned her degree from The College of Saint Rose. She went on to become a respected disability advocate, public speaker, and writer. Through her words and actions, she inspired thousands—both with and without disabilities—to embrace inclusion and recognize that every voice matters. Her message was simple and powerful: diversity strengthens us all.
Rotary played a foundational role in Denise’s life. As a high school junior, her life took a transformative turn when Rotarian Dr. Ken Benson asked, “Why don’t you become a Rotary Youth Exchange student?” Initially hesitant, Denise responded, “I’ve never seen another exchange student with a disability.” Dr. Benson's response was both gentle and profound: “You’ve never let your disability stop you until now. The worst they can say is no.” They didn’t say no. Denise became one of Rotary International’s first Youth Exchange students with a disability, spending a year in Kingston, Australia. There, she thrived—joining family dinners, participating in school events, barbecues, sports, and service projects. She formed lasting friendships and expanded her worldview, showing everyone, she encountered that disability is no barrier to connection, contribution, or adventure.
Her Rotary journey continued into adulthood. Denise became a dedicated member of the Colonie-Guilderland Rotary Club and served as District Governor for Rotary District 7190 in 2022–2023. She truly lived Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.” Her leadership helped build a more inclusive and compassionate organization.
In 2024, Denise was appointed Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). She previously served as Program Manager for the New York State Department of Health’s Disability and Health Program, where she championed accessible public
health initiatives and supported health promotion for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Her earlier work at Consumer Directed Choices helped strengthen the independence of those relying on personal assistance services.
Additional roles and recognitions include:
- Program Coordinator, Ms. Wheelchair New York
- Board Member, Ms. Wheelchair America
- Beacon Leadership Award recipient, Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley
- Two-term member (2015–2025), New York State Independent Living Council
- Chief Engagement Officer, Regional Health Information Organization
- Communications and Outreach Specialist, Consumer Directed Choices
- Member and Past President, Stratton VA Toastmasters (Albany)
- Alumni Representative, Board of Trustees, The College of Saint Rose
Denise DiNoto’s legacy is one of courage, advocacy, and heart. She broke down barriers, built
bridges across communities, and lifted others as she rose. Her unwavering belief in equity, her
dedication to service, and her joyful spirit touched countless lives.
bridges across communities, and lifted others as she rose. Her unwavering belief in equity, her
dedication to service, and her joyful spirit touched countless lives.
From her friend and caregiver Marisa Multari:
💔 In Loving Memory of Denise DiNoto 💔
A friend, a sister, a fellow Rotarian, a fearless leader, and my former boss who taught me more than she’ll ever know.
Denise wasn’t just known—she was remembered, admired, and deeply respected. She was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, using her voice and brilliance to create real change. As Ms. Wheelchair New York and 1st Runner-Up Ms. Wheelchair America, she showed the world what strength and grace truly look like. She didn’t stop there—she spent years mentoring other women through that same journey, helping them find their own voices.Denise was a trailblazer, proudly serving as a Rotary District Governor, helping to make Rotary more inclusive and vibrant than ever. As a communications professional and former speech-language pathologist, she broke down barriers with every project she touched.
✨ Her Accomplishments and Legacy Include:
• 👑 Ms. Wheelchair New York 2001
• 🥈 1st Runner-Up, Ms. Wheelchair America 2002
• 📝 Executive Director and board member for the Ms. Wheelchair America organization
• 🤝 12-year coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair NY program
• 🗣️ Communications & Outreach Specialist at Consumer Directed Choices
• 🧠 Licensed speech-language pathologist
• 🌎 Rotary Youth Exchange Student to Tasmania
• 🔄 Past President of the Colonie-Guilderland Rotary Club (2016–2018 and 2024-2025
• 🌟 Rotary District 7190 Governor (2022–2023)
• 🏆 Beacon Leadership Award recipient (Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley)
• 🏛️ Advocate and mentor for individuals with disabilities and self-directed care.
But beyond the titles and accolades, Denise was… Denise. Feisty. Fiercely independent. Occasionally non-compliant. And so, so full of kindness and love. She cared deeply. She fought hard.She never let spinal muscular atrophy define her—she defined herself by the way she lifted others up.
As her home health aide, one of our favorite traditions was asking each other, “What are three things you’re grateful for today?”Today, I’m grateful for her. For knowing her and for getting to know her even more over the last few years. When you work that closely with someone, you form a deep connection—one that stays with you. My heart and prayers go out to her beloved sisters, her family, and her best friends—Stephanie Canfield, Tina Umstead Parker and Sally Bunk.
I will miss her humor. I will miss her fire. I will miss her presence. But her legacy? It’s alive in every person she empowered. Rest well, my dear friend. You truly made the world better—on your terms. 💙♿🌟#InMemory #DeniseDiNoto #DisabilityAdvocate #RotaryStrong #Trailblazer #rotaryfamily
A friend, a sister, a fellow Rotarian, a fearless leader, and my former boss who taught me more than she’ll ever know.
Denise wasn’t just known—she was remembered, admired, and deeply respected. She was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, using her voice and brilliance to create real change. As Ms. Wheelchair New York and 1st Runner-Up Ms. Wheelchair America, she showed the world what strength and grace truly look like. She didn’t stop there—she spent years mentoring other women through that same journey, helping them find their own voices.Denise was a trailblazer, proudly serving as a Rotary District Governor, helping to make Rotary more inclusive and vibrant than ever. As a communications professional and former speech-language pathologist, she broke down barriers with every project she touched.
✨ Her Accomplishments and Legacy Include:
• 👑 Ms. Wheelchair New York 2001
• 🥈 1st Runner-Up, Ms. Wheelchair America 2002
• 📝 Executive Director and board member for the Ms. Wheelchair America organization
• 🤝 12-year coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair NY program
• 🗣️ Communications & Outreach Specialist at Consumer Directed Choices
• 🧠 Licensed speech-language pathologist
• 🌎 Rotary Youth Exchange Student to Tasmania
• 🔄 Past President of the Colonie-Guilderland Rotary Club (2016–2018 and 2024-2025
• 🌟 Rotary District 7190 Governor (2022–2023)
• 🏆 Beacon Leadership Award recipient (Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley)
• 🏛️ Advocate and mentor for individuals with disabilities and self-directed care.
But beyond the titles and accolades, Denise was… Denise. Feisty. Fiercely independent. Occasionally non-compliant. And so, so full of kindness and love. She cared deeply. She fought hard.She never let spinal muscular atrophy define her—she defined herself by the way she lifted others up.
As her home health aide, one of our favorite traditions was asking each other, “What are three things you’re grateful for today?”Today, I’m grateful for her. For knowing her and for getting to know her even more over the last few years. When you work that closely with someone, you form a deep connection—one that stays with you. My heart and prayers go out to her beloved sisters, her family, and her best friends—Stephanie Canfield, Tina Umstead Parker and Sally Bunk.
I will miss her humor. I will miss her fire. I will miss her presence. But her legacy? It’s alive in every person she empowered. Rest well, my dear friend. You truly made the world better—on your terms. 💙♿🌟#InMemory #DeniseDiNoto #DisabilityAdvocate #RotaryStrong #Trailblazer #rotaryfamily