Dennis first joined Rotary in 1975 when he was inducted into the Rotary Club of South Gate. This year, he celebrated an incredible 51 years as a cherished member of our Rotary family. He was a man who wholeheartedly believed in Rotary and dedicated his life to creating a better world in Rotary's name. His unwavering commitment and passion were evident in every role he undertook, and his legacy of giving and caring for others will forever inspire us.
Dennis served our District in many capacities, including as District Governor in 1984-1985, Council on Legislation Representative in 1994-1995, District Rotary Foundation Chair from 2002-2004, and District Treasurer from 2007-2011. More recently, he joined the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula, continuing his lifelong journey of service.
Dennis began his career with a local firm in Huntington Park; then in 1998 became the founding partner of Benko and Piane, CPAs in South Gate.
His areas of expertise were individuals, partnership/LLC, corporate, trust, and estate tax returns. Over the years he served clients in the retail and wholesale industries, health care providers, law firms, and high net worth individuals.
Dennis represented clients in tax examinations with the Internal Revenue Service, Franchise Tax Board, State Board of Equalization, and the Employment Development Department. Dennis obtained his B.A. in Business Education from California State College Los Angeles and an M.S. in Business Administration from California State College Los Angeles.
Dennis was the embodiment of Rotary’s values, a man of great compassion, integrity, and generosity. He left an extraordinary legacy of kindness and dedication that touched the lives of countless people. He believed in lifting others and building a brighter future, and through his work, he created a ripple effect of positive change in the world.
As we reflect on Dennis’s life, we honor a man who truly lived “Service Above Self.” His impact will be felt for generations to come, and his memory will live on in our hearts and in the work we continue to do in Rotary.
Please keep Sylvia and the Benko family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Let us honor Dennis’s legacy by continuing the work he so passionately believed in — building a better world through service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others.
