Dennis Virtuoso
MemberDate Appointed: 06/09/2023
Dennis Virtuoso is a beloved figure in the Western New York community, having served more than 30 years in state and local government. One of only two members who served three decades (15 terms) in legislative office as a Niagara County Legislator, Dennis was the Majority leader for four years and Minority leader for 16 years. He served as the Chair of Public Works, Public Safety, and Health Services, and also served on the Finance Committee. His achievements include sponsoring a successful resolution allowing residents a voice to speak before legislature (they previously did not have one), and a successful resolution establishing an Animal Abuse Registry, which now serves as model for the State of New York. Upon his retirement from the legislature, he remains feted by its members, regardless of party affiliation.
While also serving as a Legislator, Dennis served as the Director of Code Enforcement for the City of Niagara Falls, holding Chief and Senior Inspector titles throughout his 28-year career with the city. Prior to that, Dennis served as the Supervisor of Niagara County’s Workfare Program and was the owner/operator of two local businesses, winning the 1985 Pine Avenue Business Man of the Year Award given by the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Dennis served as Past President, United Steelworkers of America, Local 12256; Fourth Degree Knight, Knights of Columbus Council 247; member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society, Past President of the Pine Avenue Business Association, Niagara County Building Officials, New York State Building Officials and as lead usher and parish member at Holy Family Church (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel).
Dennis is a 1970 graduate of Niagara Falls High School and received a Niagara Falls Education Foundation for Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022. He also completed coursework at both SUNY Niagara and Cornell University. Dennis has been married for 36 years, has three children, five grandchildren, and is the proud father of a rescue dog named Daisy.